When you get a moment, take it.

When I come home from work every night the first thing I do is wash off my make-up, toss my hair up in a ponytail, and throw on a pair of jeans.  I am pretty casual and love to be comfortable.  I have a little girl who likes to play, and I have to be ready.  Last night, something special unfolded that I thought I would share with you.

Usually, I rush home to play with my daughter and get a few things done around the house.  You know, typical stuff…dishes, straighten up the living room, maybe toss some laundry in the washing machine.  But I didn’t get a thing done and who cares.  Caroline and I played with her books and puzzles, had dinner, and soon it was time for bed.  Little did I know a very precious moment was right around the corner.  My husband and I took Caroline upstairs, got her in her jammies, and said goodnight with our usual kisses and hugs.  As I was leaving, Caroline perked up and started crying.  Every once in a while she does this as a way of telling me that she needs a little more “mommy and me” time.  So I pulled her out of her crib and we snuggled up in the rocking chair where we spent so many days and nights when she was first born.  Now that she’s almost 17 months old, she usually goes to sleep rather quickly, and is not as interested in cuddling with mom.  She’s getting older, toys catch her attention, and she usually bolts out of my arms to play with her toys.  So, when she looked up at me in her crib with a look of “hey mom, let’s snuggle” there was no way I could refuse.  Caroline and I sat back in the rocking chair and snuggled until she fell asleep in my arms.  It was like she was a newborn baby again.  She was so soft and fit perfectly in my arms.  I could feel her soft hair on my cheek and I swear she even had that newborn smell.  I soaked up every moment.  She looked up at me with those beautiful blue eyes and I absolutely melted.  I stared back at her and kept telling her over and over again how much I love her and how proud I am to be her mother.  After she fell asleep, I didn’t move an inch and just kept staring at her in amazement.  How could I be so lucky?  Have you ever had one of those moments with someone you love when you just feel consumed by them?  My eyes couldn’t help but to fill with tears.  Chills came over my body and I just felt like Caroline and I were on a different planet.  It was just one of those very special moments that I will never forget, and I am so glad I put everything else aside to enjoy it.

Those moments don’t happen every day for me.  Some days are rushed and I feel overwhelmed with everything I need to get done.  We all do, right?  That’s just life for all of us trying to juggle a million things at once.  But, I can’t believe for one minute that anything will ever matter more than our children.  No, I didn’t cross anything off my “to do” list last night.  And yes, when I went to bed the house wasn’t exactly tidy.  But who cares.  I went to bed happy, thankful, and feeling so very blessed.  What a perfect ending.

If you’d like to share a special moment with your children, I’d love to hear it.

I have a 7 month old son and i’m soaking up every moment I can. your story just made me cry. I know that day will be here soon,when he’ll be too busy exploring the world to cuddle with mommy. On mother’s day I held him almost all day. it was the best day ever. As a working mom, the nights are sometimes hectic and go so fast. last night was one of those that I felt I needed to do so much..thanks for reminding me to let it go sometimes and enjoy these special moments.

My daughter is 19 months old, and I know exactly what you are speaking of!  I am breastfeeding her, and after a long day away from each other, her favorite evening thing is to ask me “Molk?“, which is her word for milk.  It is so nice to put my feet up for a short time and hold her in my arms. Of course, soon enough she’s trying to stick a foot in my face, or Daddy comes in and she has to turn and look… but it is still a great way to connect at the end fo a long day.

I can’t tell you how many times I have went to bed myself thanking God for my girls.  I look in on them everynight before I go to bed, my oldest at times looks exactly like she did as a baby and it just takes every bit of my being to keep from scoping her up.

My youngest still likes to snuggle up to me on the couch which most of the time means she is falling asleep right there.  I just sit there kissing the top of her head or stroking her hair.  There are even times when I have one on either side of me both of them totally out with an arm around each one. 

I 100% agree with you, when these moments come along you have to take them as they grow up too fast.  All that other stuff can wait, I would rather have the memories of sitting on the couch snuggling with my kids rather than memories of a clean, tidy house.

Wow…you guys are the best and I love hearing all your stories.  I’m glad I’m not alone in this. :) I realize more and more everyday how thankful I am for my daughter and how important it is to enjoy this time with her.  It also makes me more thankful for my own mom.  Enjoy the weekend everyone.

Ellie

Ellie,
My daughter is 13, but I wanted to become a member of this site because even now, I can remember the time she was your daughter’s age like it was just yesterday.  Believe it or not, she is fond of hearing the stories of her infant and toddler days (almost as fond as I am of telling her about them).  It is during our talks when I share these stories with her (along with sharing special “girl” talk), that we have our closest bonding times.  I will blink and she will be out of the house & completely on her own, so I am holding on to these special moments with both hands and feet.  I think that’s why my motto has been, “don’t sweat the small stuff. Life is too short.“  It sounds like Caroline is a very special little girl, soon to become a very special lady, just like her mom! Enjoy!
Lydia

WOW, I know exactly what you are feeling.  My little boy (Cameron) just turned 17 months on the 6th and I feel as though he is growing up way too fast.  I am lucky enough to be a SAHM, but I still feel as though I can’t get enough of my son.  I tried for years and years to conceive and was blessed with my son through IVF.  I spend everyday with him 24/7 and I love every minute of it.  People are constantly telling me that I need a break, but I would be very disappointed if I took a break and missed out on something so special.  I love it when we can stretch out on the floor and read, play ball or let him climb all over me.  These are the most precious times ever and I can’t imagine NOT having him in my life.  He is at that age where he loves to give hugs and kisses and snuggle with Mommy and those are the moments you want to cherish forever.  Soon he will be too big to sit on my lap and snuggle with so I just capture every moment in my mind and relive every moment and then capture more and more and keep reliving.

You brought tears to my eyes. I so remember those days. My son is now 17 and about to be a senior at Hilliard Davidson High School. The word graduation alone fills my eyes with tears. Once in a blue moon he still needs a hug from his mom. I almost cherish when he doesn’t feel well and i can baby him a little. I keep thinking last 10 football games, last year of school, last school dance… etc… Enjoy those moments they are grown before you know it.

Kelly

I love hearing from all of you!  Feel free to send me pictures of your little ones (and big kids, too).  Just let me know if it’s ok to post them on the blog.  If not, no biggy, I still love baby pics, so go ahead and send them my way.  Lisa sent me two darling pictures of her son Cameron.  I’m a sucker for a sweet face.  :)

Ellie

“He will never be this age again!“  I always remind myself of this.  He went from needing me for everything, into a toddler who just hitches a ride with me once in awhile!  I love how independent my 13 month old is, and cherish the times he takes a break in my lap!  There is nothing better than having a cuddly little guy snoring in my face, and maybe, if I am lucky, he will drool on my shoulder!
Enjoy them everyday!

As a mom to a 21 month old, the “cuddling” days are quickly going by….

I actually had to transition her to a toddler bed last week because she was climbing out of the crib! As I took the crib apart, all I could do was cry because my little girl was growing up….

She is getting so independent now…

I would love to send you a pic, how do I do that??

Hi Jennifer (and everbody this is for you, too)...you can send me your baby pics to my email address at

I love to see baby pics, so go ahead and send them my way.  They always brighten my day!  Please let me know if it’s ok to post them on my blog or not.  It’s completely up to you.  I won’t post anything on my blog without your permission…so just let me know either way. 

Have a great day everybody

Ellie

that story was so sweet!  i get caught up in my “to do” lists waaaay to much.  i have been promising myself for a while now, that i am going to take a day and just do absolutely nothing but play with the kids, and i haven’t done it yet.  your story just inspired me to do so today!
thanks!

~cena
http://www.realmomsrock.com

I 100% agree with you, when these moments come along you have to take them as they grow up too fast.  All that other stuff can wait, I would rather have the memories of sitting on the couch snuggling with my kids rather than memories of a clean, tidy house.
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