She loved to snuggle, finding any opportunity when her "big people" were still long enough to crawl into their laps or burrow under their arms. Each of them, busy in their own right, would usually stop whatever they had planned and take at least a little time with her.
Her father's lap was probably her favorite, his big hands and strong arms were always so warm, so comforting. Whenever he would sit in his chair to read or work on a crossword puzzle, she would climb up in to his lap. He would look up, take off his glasses and put aside his reading. As soon as he did, she would press her face into his chest, her small fingers winding themselves into his shirt, his arms wrapping around her little body, holding her close. She would always sigh, content in her daddy's warmth and strength, knowing in her heart that all was right with her little world.
Her mother's lap was different, her long, slender fingers cool to the touch, settling her when she didn't feel well or finding just the right spot to massage on the back of her neck to calm her when she'd become frustrated, often from trying to keep up with her brothers. Those same fingers would also brush through her hair, slowly separating the long, dark strands and playing with the little curls at the ends. She loved having her mommy play with her hair; her touch and soft whispers often sending her in to a peaceful sleep, with any worry or care banished from her mind.
Her big brothers' laps were an entirely different experience. Donnie wasn't there much, always off at school or baseball or with his friends, but when she managed to catch him, his snuggles were like no other. He would center her in his lap, wrapping his arms around her, resting his chin on her head, all the while gently teasing her to make her giggle. No one made her giggle the way Donnie did; his energy making her feel like she could do anything. Daddy comforted her, Mommy soothed her, but Donnie, Donnie made her fearless.
Charlie did none of those things. He always seemed restless, unable to simply sit with her, deal with her little girl ways, her little girl needs. She often sensed his discomfort, his frustration, at being with her. But there were moments, times when he was able to settle down himself. And sometimes, she found her way to him during those moments, and she would curl up next to him, her head resting on his side. He would awkwardly wrap his arm around her shoulder, uncomfortable with her desire to snuggle. But he would try. And while she didn't feel warmth or comfort or boundless energy from him, she knew she was safe.
She loved to cuddle. She loved feeling her daddy's warmth and strength, her mommy's touch and quiet words. She loved Donnie's fearless energy and Charlie's moments of safety. She was a little girl, a little princess, in a family of big people. And she loved to cuddle.
