I heard him whining. It is the sound of waking up, the vocalizing of being pulled out of restful bliss into awareness. A sound I would make each morning if I weren’t a self-respecting adult.
It had been a good nap. An hour and a half. Quiet time for both Mommy and son. But I was excited to see his precious little face.
I walked into the nursery, expecting to see a bouncing baby boy. As usual, he would be standing in his crib, bouncing in time to his whines, expecting the arms of Mommy to soothe those waking up woes.
But today he was sitting on his bed wiping the sleep out of his eyes. Recognition. Smiles.
Welcome awake! I’m so glad to see you!
As I approached the crib, he looked at me, and then rested his head back down again. His eyes looked up at me in joyful longing. Asking.
Asking me to join him. Asking for snuggles before starting the afternoon.
One leg followed the first as I climbed over the tall railing. I sat in the crib, feeling like a giant lost in a fluffy world. I looked down at the perfect sized munchkin laying there, waiting for me.
I rested my head beside him, face to face, breath on breath, hearts aligned. No longer too big or too small. We are simply us. Mommy and baby. Quiet and still for the briefest of moments.
He looks at me. Smiles. A peaceful smile. This is what he wanted. His wordless plea answered. Happiness.
And then, it is over.
He sits up. Smiles. A new smile. A bright smile. An excited smile.
Ready to start the afternoon.
Let’s go Mom! Let’s see what adventures today brings!
Smile. Kiss. Okay. Let’s go.
Thanks for sharing! I love those moments; they make me smile!
I'd have moments like that too, but A) he is rarely ever happy after naptime and B) I would SO break the crib!
You be surprised what cribs can hold. Case in point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLErNXIYjMg
I wonder what it is about little ones wanting mom and/or dad to climb in their bed? My two year old still does that…and we [one at a time of course] happily oblige. :-)
My son would much rather fall asleep with me than without me. He's been doing it for most of his life, so we still, on occasion, struggle with him falling asleep on his own. But there are times when I am so happy just to enjoy those snuggle moments together. I can only assume that they'll get fewer and farther between as he grows up.
Love.love.love! I am also amazed that you were able to get into his crib. This post totally made me melt with all smiles.
Btw – love the picture of you and the little guy! (Sorry, couldn't edit my post)
Thanks! On both counts.
Funny story: I think I'm in the crib pretty much every day. (Stupid #sleeptraining fail!)
I love it! So sweet. My FIVE year old still doesn't like to sleep alone. He tip toes into our room at all hours of the night.
Thanks! Part of me hopes that my son continues to want those snuggles when he's five. Part of me hopes I'll be getting full nights of sleep by then! :)
What a sweet moment, and how fabulous that you were able to give yourself over to that moment.
I love that you saw the pleading in his eyes and paused to give him what he wanted.
What a good mom you are.
Happy sighs.
First of all, I'm swooning a little because you commented on my blog. Yay! And Hi!
What was really beautiful about this moment was that it was in the middle of such a terrible day. I certainly didn't feel like a good mom (or wife) many other times during the day, so having this moment was unbelievably special. I hope I remember it forever.
oooooh. LOVE.
I love this. It makes me remember that I need t pay attention to that invitation when it is given to me.
Thank you. SO much.
This is beautiful. I never actually climbed into my son's crib, but I would have. And this experience would have been totally worth however silly I might have felt at first.
Thank you for the gentle reminder of what is truly important. The day can wait… they are precious and these moments are gold.
This is so very sweet. I love it!
Oh, this is so sweet. Really touching. I'm sure you will remember it forever.
Thanks for sharing!
Lovely. I have been tempted a many of times to climb in there with my son…but not sure if I would have made it out without help ;) Apparently those rails are also Mommy proof ;)
Again this is a very lovely moment captured by your words ;)
This made my heart smile. What a happy moment. It's so much easier when you surrender, isn't it?
Found you through Nichole's Small Moments.
So pretty and sweet. I love those tender snuggles.