Today I learned the difference between being a mom and a dad.  Being a mom is snuggly and cuddly, and being a dad just hurts.

Let me explain.

This morning The Boy walked up to me and said, “I haven’t given you a hug yet today.”  Then after the great big squeeze he said, “Because I know you like lots of hugs from me every day.”  Yep.  He’s right about that.

Later he asked how many people would be gathering at my parents’ house for Christmas.  I told him that I didn’t know, but I, of course, asked why he was wondering.  Well, apparently he has written a play with 13 characters, and he needs 13 of us to be in it.  He really wants 14 people total, so he can direct while we perform.

That’s the life of a mom – cuddly and snuggly, warm and fuzzy.

This evening I watched in horror as TB head-butted and punched Chris, for no apparent reason.  TB jumped on him, wrestled with him, tried to tackle him, ended up scratching him, and laughed with delight the entire time.  And that’s when I realized that being a dad just hurts.  Ouch.

Of course being a mom isn’t always sugar and spice and everything nice, nor is being dad always snips and snails and puppy dog tails, but wow, our roles sure are different.

I’m grateful we’re both able to be in his life.