So this is what it feels like to have someone call you ‘mama’?

Today I reached a new high as a mom. My boy… my sweet little baby boy unmistakably said my name.

It’s hard to imagine that this little boy:

 

 

has turned into this little boy in just under six months:

 

It feels like he just arrived… And yet it feels as if he’s always been. {I’m so a mama in love, aren’t I? *gush*}

During the last week I’ve noticed Levi starting to say “ma-ma-ma-ma”. As fun as that is, it has definitely been random – just another sound to add to his growing little vocabulary along with: “blah blah”, “da-da-da”, “ga-ga-ga”, and lots of other little baby chatter cuteness. I figured it would be a while before he would say  ‘mama’ (or anything else) with any level of comprehension.

And besides, I was fully prepared for ‘dada’ to be his first “real” word. After all, we’ve been practicing.

In saying that, there were a few times during the last day or two that he said “ma-ma-ma” while looking at me… a bit differently… as if he knew.

I’ve wondered… {could it be?} but then quickly dismissed the thought not wanting to live in false hope.

But tonight was different.

My little teething boy was crying in daddy’s arms, and–in a moment that will forever be burned into my memory–he looked over at me with longing in his eyes and arms outstretched and said, “ma-ma-ma-ma-ma”.

Still hesitating a little in my heart to believe it (in case I was just projecting my hopes onto him), I took him in my arms and held him close.

Immediately he stopped crying.

Ryan and I looked at each other. “I think he just said my name,” I murmured to Ryan, almost afraid to speak at full volume for fear of the burst of my bubble.

“He sure did,” grinned Ryan. {Oh how sweet those three words of confirmation were!}

And since daddy is usually the one with the unfailing touch (unless it’s boob time of course), I was even more shocked and surprised and in awe all mixed up together. My heart was melting in puddles all over the floor and my eyes were filling with 32 years worth of mama-in-waiting tears… Oh, the magic of that moment.

So this is what it feels like to have somebody call you ‘mama’?

I never thought my name could sound so sweet. {Say it again dear baby boy.}

I like it. I really, really like it.

Dear friends, what are your most precious motherhood moments… your mama highs thus far?

Adriel

About Author

Adriel Booker is an author, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia who believes storytelling, beauty, and the grace of God will change the world. Adriel has become a trusted voice in areas of motherhood and parenting, Christian spirituality, and global women's issues. She's also known for her work with the Love A Mama Collective—serving under-resourced women in developing nations through safe birth initiatives—as well as her years spent as a Bible teacher and leadership coach. Her latest book is Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss and she's made the companion grief journal available for free. Find Adriel across all social media platforms at @adrielbooker or sign up for LoveNotes, Adriel's 'secret posts' that aren't published anywhere else online. ✌️

22 Comments

  • It's a beautiful life!
    24 July 2010 at 4:22 pm

    Oh that is amazing!! It must feel surreal that your tiny little baby, not only knows your face, but knows you by name! So happy for you! I'm so looking forward to hearing those little words from my little guy!

    Reply
  • A Little R&R
    24 July 2010 at 5:30 pm

    Okay – this literally brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait for that day!!!!

    Reply
  • JIll
    24 July 2010 at 6:01 pm

    Oh, this brings back memories from my first. Love it and can't wait till B says it.

    Reply
  • Cameron
    24 July 2010 at 8:41 pm

    I had chills when I was reading this! I'm so happy for you! That's such a great moment!! Isis hasn't done that yet, but she says dada sometimes, but we don't think she is referring to Lewis.
    My favorite thing at the moment is that she reaches for people now. So if I'm around & somebody else has her, she'll reach for me sometimes. It's really fun!!

    Reply
  • HRH Mommy
    24 July 2010 at 9:53 pm

    I remember that moment with Kai as if it were yesterday. And then, every morning when he would call for me, I would leap out of bed and run into his room, being excited and happy, despite being sleep-deprived.

    Enjoy it as there will be a time where you turn over and wish he wasn't calling for you (yet), or you think "Could you please, for once, call daddy?"

    Haha!!!!!

    At the moment my favorite moments with Kai are those where he comes running up to me and spontaneously wraps both his hands around me and gives me a big hug.

    With Ryder it is the smiling he does and his face lighting up when I enter the room, from either being gone for a moment, or for longer. (Like in the morning when I enter his room and tell him "Good morning". His face lights up immediately when he hears my voice and he gets the biggest grin on his face. CanNOT get enough of that).

    Reply
  • cooperl788
    24 July 2010 at 9:59 pm

    Awwww! I'm tearing up reading this ! It's the best feeling in the world when they call you Mama for the first time, like you just won the lottery because you're finally being recognized. Congrats on his first word!

    Reply
  • Queens Mama
    24 July 2010 at 10:19 pm

    Aw, its beautiful, isn't it? I think our boys are around the same age. Andrew has started calling out ma-ma-ma-ma when he wakes up in the middle of the night or is upset. It makes your heart melt. Enjoy your little mush!

    Reply
  • Hannah
    24 July 2010 at 11:10 pm

    It really is a beautiful moment isn't it! I am so happy for you, your post got me all teary eyed! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend! Now you will be hearing your name a lot from here on out!

    Reply
  • Elsie
    25 July 2010 at 12:10 am

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! Isn't it just the best when they start knowing you? It's the most amazing feeling. My little guy was going around the house the other day calling "dada. daaaaddy. dada" over and over while the hubs was at work. It was so cute. =)

    ~Elsie

    Reply
  • adriel, from the mommyhood memos
    25 July 2010 at 2:37 am

    Roz & Cameron – It won't be too far off for you guys either I'm sure!!! 🙂
    HRH Mommy – Are you trying to burst my bubble? No reality checks here please! Just let me revel a little… 😉

    Reply
  • Amy
    25 July 2010 at 2:47 am

    How sweet and wonderful! Even though my kids are older I STILL love to hear them say "Mom." It warms my heart.

    Reply
  • Rebecca Watson
    25 July 2010 at 3:54 am

    Happy Saturday Blog Surf! your newest follower! follow me back please! lets keep in touch! have a great weekend!

    http://www.justcherishtoday.com

    Reply
  • Jhen.Stark
    25 July 2010 at 4:26 am

    AHHH, no "ma ma" yet for me, but I do love my "would rather have mommy cuddle me to sleep" reaches before bedtime!

    Heck yes for baby showing mommy he/she loves us (even though no matter what, we'd still love them anyway)

    Reply
  • Crystal
    25 July 2010 at 8:42 am

    Oh how sweet! My son still struggles with the comprehension completely at 16 months, though I think sometimes he realizes its my name, but also attaches it to other things as well. Either that or he just likes hearing himself talk!
    We have a speech therpist give us tips and helps once a month, and she said its best if you call each other mama & dada (or mommy & daddy, but to pick one specifically) and it should help his comprehension even more. I wish someone had told us that sooner so maybe he would more clearly grasp it by now!

    Reply
  • Katie
    25 July 2010 at 12:25 pm

    Being a momma is the greatest adventure in the entire world. Such a great story. I remember when all my baby girl would say was 'mama' or 'dada'. Now at 2 1/2, she doesn't stop talking…but I love every moment of that too.

    I love following your mommy memos. They are great! Stop by http://www.mymomcareer2.blogspot.com.

    Reply
  • Funky Mama Bird
    25 July 2010 at 12:37 pm

    Isn't that the best? We visited relatives this weekend, and my cousin was trying to get my little boy to say his name. In response my kid would only shake his head and go, "Ma. MA." It was too cute!

    Reply
  • Nya's mom
    25 July 2010 at 2:35 pm

    That's so exciting! Congratulations! Nya, who is the same age as Levi, has yet to say mama, but her eyes do light up and her arms wave wildly upon seeing me!

    -Jessica a.k.a Nya's mom

    Reply
  • Mrs.Mayhem
    26 July 2010 at 12:39 am

    Such a sweet post. And the photos are wonderful! I just love being a mom, too!

    Reply
  • Asashia
    28 July 2010 at 7:19 pm

    Still waiting for Little Bit to say mine—and we're 19 months in! But a day in my life is great and as HRH Mom said, one day I'll wish he'll say something else!
    Congrats on this new milestone—enjoy it all!

    Reply
  • Montessori For Learning
    31 July 2010 at 5:47 pm

    It is one of the single greatest word moments. It really gave me a reality check and a stronger bond.

    One of the oddest moments for me that kind of fits in this category is when we were visiting one of my friends (she worked with me for many years and we were roommates in college)…. one of my children said "does Ben's mom like to…?" Thinking of my friend as "Ben's mom" instead of Julie was very odd.

    Reply
  • […] “Mama” is coming soon. (If that one doesn’t melt you into a giant puddle, I don’t know what will.) It’s such a sweet, sweet age. […]

    Reply
  • Tania
    17 February 2016 at 12:41 am

    This literally just happened to me. It is the best moment since giving birth. It is so amazing. I still can’t believe I’m someone’s Mama

    Reply

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