I guess I knew the day would come, but I never thought it would be here so soon.

It happened about a week ago at bedtime. I was with my boys in my oldest son's bedroom.

We had just read our books and said our prayers when I gave my little man a big hug.

I leaned over to kiss him - when he pulled back, looked me right in the eye and said, "No more kisses mommy."

Did I hear him right?

Did my five-year-old son just reject my good-night kiss?

I wasn't sure what to do or say - so I honored his request, tucked him in and said good-night.

I didn't make too much of it.

I just figured he was a little tired that night and ready to go to bed.

A few days later, we were playing Connect Four at home.

He finally beat me and somehow our high-fives turned into a wrestling match on the floor.

After giving him a little tickle, he put his arms around my neck - so I gave him a big hug… then I leaned in to kiss his check.

That’s when everything stopped and he kindly said with a smile, "Remember, no more kisses. Did you forget?"

Again???

Okay, now this was no longer a one time deal.

I can't pretend the new "No Kissing" rule didn't bother me.

It did.

Add to that - the same son, was no longer reaching for my hand after school when I picked him up.

He now wanted to walk independently to the car.

Well...this was all a bit much for me.

He is only in kindergarten.

This was NOT supposed to happen so soon.

I didn't talk to any one about it and tried to let it go.

So for the last week, I haven't made any attempts to give him an extra embraces or sneak in any extra snuggles (and it has been hard!).

The other night, we were going through our same bedtime routine. After we finished our new Dr. Suess book and said our prayers, I have give him a big bear hug... and he looked up at me and smiled and then said the words that made my heart smile, "Mommy, I'll take a kiss tonight."

It was the nicest thing he’s ever said to me!!!

Everything was as it should be...at least for that night anyway.

This made me think...are we EVER ready for our kids to grow up, and spread their little wings?

What do you think???

I'd love to hear your stories!!

Until Next Time,

Serese