Since returning from Seattle this past Tuesday night, I’ve had two full days of sweet connections with my little ones. Both haven’t felt quite well – chest colds and sniffles. The morning of my return I got to spend some quiet morning time with my 7 year old, brushing her hair and picking out her clothes.
She was genuinely happy to see me and it felt wonderful to hold her and listen to her stories once again. My 4 year old woke up shortly there after and came bounding down the hallway into my arms. His little body fits so perfectly in my arms, with his legs wrapped around my waist, his arms around my neck.
The night before I had sat next to a mom in fatigues on the plane ride home. She told me that she’d been away from her 1 year old and 4 year old since just after Halloween; 4.5 months without her husband and children. It’s hard to imagine that kind of time passing without the snuggles of little arms. I felt gratitude, appreciation, empathy, and compassion all in one moment sitting next to that mama.
Tonight I rocked my 7 year old after my youngest fell asleep. She and I used to rock together every night before bedtime. We had special songs and prayers which felt right in singing and saying tonight during our nightly bedtime routine. She’s growing up so fast and I know that her long legs won’t fit across mine for much longer.
There really is nothing like it when you can be fully in the moment as a mama. It doesn’t happen all the time or, at least, I haven’t yet mastered the skill of round-the-clock mindfulness. I’m just really appreciating when the moment finds me. I’m hoping you’re finding these moments within the mayhem of motherhood too.
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Tags: bedtime, Children Under Age 7, communication, family culture, listening, rhythm
