Moments in my Days

It is said that that time with little ones is made up of long days and short years. I already feel like the years are going by too quickly. There are moments I pause and try to burn into my memory; to take in the sight and the feel of the moments that I never want to forget. Here are a few of them.

• Looking up early in the morning, surprised to see my quiet-as-a-mouse boy in his jammies. And the snuggle that follows.
• Dress up clothes, carefully put on by the dress-up trunk. Carelessly taken off all over the house.
• Kissing tears off soft cheeks.
  
• Seeing them play kindly together, how they both delight in it. And I do too.
  
• Reading together. On the couch and in the rocking chair, on the floor, wherever. The books that, as a result, end up on the couch and in the rocking chair, on the floor, all over.
• Stealing into their rooms after they're asleep, stroking their cheeks, their hands, their hair. And when that's not enough, picking them up and holding them awhile, or lying down and cuddling with them.
  
• The sound of laughter that comes not from humor, but from happiness.
• The things they think are treasures. Simple things like pinecones and feathers and band-aids.
  
• Watching the joy in little faces when they grasp a concept.
• Reading the same books. Over. And over. And over. Then watching Peregrine sit down and "read" them to Alethea.
  
• Hearing them try new words on for size. They're often used incorrectly at first, but it's amazing how they figure it out after a while.
• Playing make believe.
  
• The joy they find in special moments, like a picnic/walk or a surprise trip to the ice cream shop.
  
• The little songs they sing when they don't realize anyone is listening.
• Hearing "Mom, you know what? I love you." It always makes me happy.
• Being "fooled" by the same trick three hundred and seventy-four times. Watching them dissolve into giggles that they tricked me. Again.
• Little arms wrapped around my neck.
  
• Getting to be the one they want when they're hurt or upset.

It's moments like these that sprinkle the days with sweetness, that make the harder, less pleasant memories fade away. How I want to hold them always in my heart!

Have a great weekend. And enjoy your family!