What does bonding feel like?

[myohmywhatawonderfulday]

I have always noticed that whenever I hold/cuddle ds2 I get this feeling inside. It’s like it doesn’t matter what else is going on - everything is right with the world. It’s like my inner self can breathe. It’s a beautiful feeling.

I never got that feeling with ds1 and I never have.

Maybe I am worrying about nothing and partly it really doesn’t matter as both sons are 8 and 5 years, so not babies.

Is what I feel with ds2 bonding?

Do you feel that with all your children?

There is one of my kids I feel it with more than the others. But he's cuddlier and more inclined to snuggle in. The other 2 are more wriggly and always on the go so never stay still long enough for proper cuddles. I wish they did. Even as babies he loved a cuddle more than the others. They are too independent.

I've got 2 dd's aged 3 and 5 and have got different relationships with them both.

Dd1 isn't naturally affectionate but shows her love through play so we bond by doing things together.

Dd2 is extremely loving and always squeezing me and tells me she loves me countless times a day.

The bond therefore is different, dd2 makes it easy and it's really intense but dd1's indifference makes it even more special when she does want a hug.

Thanks for replying both of you.
My logical brain says (and I think I do in practice) is just accept that it’s different with the two of them.

It’s just been a thought now and then that everyone else feels like I do with ds2 with all their children and so I am doing being a mother ‘wrong’ with ds1.

And of course when you bring these things out into the open then I find again we all actually have similar experiences and I am not doing being a mother wrong!

Thank goodness for mumsnet to be able to ask these questions!