As I was snuggling with the kids at bedtime, it occurred to me just how forgiving they are. Today was not an exciting day in our house. I have mastitis, and feel like I've been hit by a truck. But, as all stay-at-home parents can attest to, the show must go on!
Normally, we are on the go most of each day...the gym, grocery store, parks, etc...today, I needed to take it easy...try explaining that to a "high-energy" 3-year-old. After staying inside the entire day, we were all getting on each other's nerves. I will admit, I perhaps snapped a couple of times when a simple, "Please, stop" would have sufficed. I also denied their request to play outside, because I just did not have it in me to supervise outside today. But, I also know that they can't possibly (nor should they) understand that.
So, after dinner, as bedtime drew near, I began to feel guilty. I think most parents will also admit that we can sometimes be our own toughest critics. But, there wasn't anything I could do to change the day, and so we began our bedtime routine. Our routine consists of a healthy bedtime snack, a story, prayers, singing Amazing Grace together, and then (all pediatricians, please stop reading. :-) )we snuggle with each and every one of them for one song of their instrumental Christian CD.
Most nights, we flow through this routine almost robotically...but not tonight. As I gazed at my babies' precious faces as they fell asleep, I was absolutely overcome with gratitude to God for making children so pure and forgiving. David didn't remember me not letting him play outside when he got home from Nana and Papa's today. He reached over and held my hand while we snuggled. My almost 7 year-old 1st baby curled up next to me and told me how much she loves "mommy snuggles." Olivia, ( after rolling away from me and saying, "Mama, scwatch my back, pwease") simply whispered, "I lub you, Mama."
These moments are what I live for. These moments when love between a parent and child is so pure and stronger than anything. So, don't pay attention to what the "experts" say about making kids fall asleep on their own. Sometimes, the added security of Mommy or Daddy is all they want. And, I'm 100% positive that when they are grown up and on their own, I will never say, "I wish I wouldn't have snuggled with them as much." Enjoy your babies today!
Okay, this one made me cry...There is nothing better than snuggling with the babies, and yes, to me they are still "the babies". Soon enough they are too cool for the snuggles..enjoy while there is time. One of my favorite things in the world, is when one of them wants to take a nap while at our home. Pure sweetness. The only expert opinion needed is your heart.
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