Yesterday, my daughter woke up at 5:15 a.m. We're in the process of weaning her (I'll write about that later this week) and so her sleeping schedule is a bit "off." She called for "mommy" from down the hall and I went to her. She seemed sleepy, but didn't want to lay back down on her bed. I picked her up and walked out into the living room with her. I sat down on one of our brown leather seats and she rested her head on my shoulder. And - almost immediately - I felt her steady breathing, signaling that she was again asleep.
As I sat there holding her - watching the sun creep in through the blinds - I thought to myself, "This is what matters. This sweet little girl resting her head on my chest, her petite frame nestled against mine. Her long lashes and rosebud lips and bubblegum cheeks. Her sweet smile and silly laughter and compassionate heart."
There were other things on my mind as I drifted off to sleep the night before (BlogHer and business licenses and photography and...). But in that moment, I remembered that she matters, our family matters, we matter. And the other stuff - well, it matters too, but so much less.
So true Stephanie. We went to Lake Powell this weekend with 2 other families. I had to share a bed with my youngest son. Which for the record, does not like to sleep anywhere other than his bed, by himself. Anyway, it was kind of a challenge to get him to sleep but after he drifted off, it was so sweet to hear his little breath and feel his little hands on my hands. It was pure joy. Today, back to reality: we came home and he ran to his room and yelled "My Bed!"
Your post reminds me of a scrapbook page I made long ago titled, "It's the little thing that take up the most space in your heart." And it couldn't be more true now could it.
What beautiful photos Stephanie. Definitely keepers.
Okay, so I read this yesterday after having woken up 3x in the night with Sam and the 3rd time (2am) he would not go back to sleep and nothing was meeting his needs. With hubby gone, I was starting to pull my hair out. At 3am we went and sat out side for a little bit, that got him quiet, then I took him to bed with me, back to fussing. After nearly 3 hours of being awake when I should have been sleeping, and lets throw in a splitting headach, my mind could not have been any further in thinking about how this is the most important thing in my life. It was more like "Please Lord, make him go to sleep so I don't kill him." All that being said, I got a full nights sleep last night. In bed this morning, with Sam snuggling tight to me, as we were both drifting back to sleep, I remembered the blog and could better relate. One day at a time.
Aw, that is so sweet! I hope weaning is going well...I know it can be a really hard process for some moms and kids!
Those pictures are beautiful!
Your pictures are AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you so much for reminding me about the moments in life that can pass by so quickly and unnoticed if I don't, for just one second, take a deep breath and cherish them.
My baby is 11 !
Its amazing how a momment that most would see as annoying (being woken up at 5:15) can become one of our most charished times! Last night P wouldn't go to sleep and I will admit I was frustrated, but after a few momments of him curled up against me, playing with my hand, I realized that I don't know how much longer he will want to cuddle with me before he is too much of a big boy, and I found myself wanting to hold him forever!
So true, and too cute. :)
so true, i totally agree!! being a mommy is the BEST!
I agree, those are the moments that make life so wonderful. :)
There's really no where else or nothing else I'd rather be doing when I am snuggling with my kiddos. They really are what matter most.
Well said.
So sweet, and so true.
I blogged about weaning just today.
Amen!!
Isn't that the BEST! :)
Enjoy these special moments!! They go by so fast. I remember when you were my little baby and how precious you were, and still are :)
those cuddle moments are the best reminder, aren't they? Being a mom is hard work, but it has the best rewards. :)
Very touching post. Although I have to say I'm not usually so happy about getting up early. lol It's great that you can see how wonderful these moments are even when you're tired.
This is such a sweet post. I'm glad I found your blog because I am enjoying it very much.
I just weaned my 14 month old last month and how bittersweet it was. She's my third and even though I did so much better savoring her babyhood than with the first two, it went by that much faster.
You are such a good Mommy! I wish all the women in the world could realize how special the little ones in our life are!
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful moment with us!
Amen. Every morning when I get Jenna (2) out of bed, we have a long, "hug moment." She wraps her little arms around me, puts her head down on my shoulder and pats my back softly while I rub hers. It's my favorite part of the day. Thanks for reminding us all about what truly matters.
http://psychmamma.wordpress.com
You are so right, with all of the things whirly around in my mind on what needs to be done, a reality check comes in the room pulling on my arm with "One, Two, Three" in her hand. Thanks Stephanie for sharing!
I love that you shared that since I was having some similar thoughts when my little one woke up this morning and cuddled with me for a while before actually waking up (a rare moment in our house). Moments like that make everything worth it!
Thank you for sharing your special early morning moment. So true!
It's amazing how in motherhood, the simplest moments are the most precious. Thanks for sharing this sweet moment and beautiful photos!