Simple joy, simply Holt

Holt didn't say "Mommy" until about two months ago...he's 3. "Dada"--yes, "Nana"--yes, but "Mommy"--no. Now, granted it's not the kid's fault. He is Apraxic, but nevertheless, I've inwardly sulked over the fact. Being called "Nini" for a year and then "Nonny" was less endearing than it probably should have been. But, it is true that those things you fight for mean the most once attained. When Holt finally said "Mommy" (after 7 months of speech therapy and my saying "ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-me-me-me-me" every time the poor boy tried!), my heart became a syrupy mess and nothing tasted sweeter than kissing his tiny little lips over and over! Such simple joy, such a simple word, and yet so profound to a mother...