When my parents were newlyweds, they used to collect and exchange a comic that was popular at the time. It generally featured two naked, childlike characters — a short and stubby man and his short and stubby lady. The fact that they were naked was in no way sexual but completely innocent and adorable, with little more than their belly buttons depicted.
These cartoons were typically one panel in length and shared sentiments like “Love is… being loved back,” or “Love is… when every morning brings another day with you,” or “Love is… where you want to be.” I remember finding scraps of newspaper with the cartoons on them and falling in love with the little couple falling in love with each other.
This morning, before my alarm sounded, I was snuggling in bed with my 3-year-old and my husband, missing our 1-year-old who slept peacefully in her crib down the hall. The thought crossed my mind:
This is what love is.
And so, here are my updated, parenthood-style sentiments, inspired by the Love is… comics of the 1970s, originally penned by Kim Casali and Bill Asprey.
Love is…
watching every episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Puppy Dog Pals, and Vampirina, only to follow it up with Mickey Mouse’s Once Upon a Christmas… in May.
Love is…
making two dinners, one for my husband and me, and one for my girls.
Love is…
putting down a stack of tests that need grading in order to play Barbies, or dress up, or have a dance party.
Love is…
coordinating outfits… for the whole family!
Love is…
picking a kid-friendly restaurant on a Friday night instead of trying that hot new place that just opened up.
Love is…
baby belly laughs.
Love is…
“Mama” and “Dada” in the sweetest little voices you’ve ever heard.
Love is…
having more pictures of your babies than yourself on social media.
Love is…
watching my babies learn new things, and celebrating with them like they just won the Superbowl.
Love is…
cuddling in a king-sized bed with two toddlers, a cat, and a dog between my husband and me.
What is your Love is…?