Little Moments

I am one of those people whose mind is always working.  It constantly swirls with ideas, plans, and possible back up solutions.  While it really helps me to have a house that is clean and flows relatively smoothly, it is hard for me to slow down.

Yesterday I took time for myself.  I dropped the kids at school and Robin at daycare.  Then I went home, made myself some coffee, turned on the fireplace, and curled up on the couch with the laptop.  It was lovely.  Then I quickly ran a few errands (those one minute errands that are so painful when you have three children in tow).  Then I got a massage, browsed a consignment shop, took myself out for Starbucks, and got a pedicure before picking the kids up from school.  After the bustle of winter break, a day to myself was just what I needed.

As lovely as yesterday was, I liked today better.  It was one of those days when I can relish being a stay at home mom.  After dropping off the big kids, Robin and I went to my physical therapy appointment.  As we walked back to the car, he asked for Starbucks.  We had a lovely little date, where unprompted he went and took his stuff to the garbage when he was finished.  Of course everyone cooed at the site of Robin walking across the coffeeshop by himself and getting on tippytoes to put his garbage in the trash.

We came home and I wanted to clean house, but Robin had other plans.  He grabbed my hands, looked me in the eyes, and said, "Mama. Dance. Me."  How do you say no to that?

We eventually made our way upstairs to clean.  He scrubbed toilets and dusted while I did everything else.  I could have kept going, but instead decided to just spend time with Robin.  We danced some more and then I laid down on the trampoline.  He climbed on top of me and snuggled me cheek to cheek.  We just layed there together, listening to music and lightly bouncing.  It was wonderful.  We stayed like that for a good 15 minutes.

My heart feels a little lighter and Robin knows he is loved.  I know I am lucky that I am able to stay home with the kids.  It can be hard to remember to slow down and enjoy it.  Robin's baby snuggling days are numbered.  I plan to take advantage of them as much as possible.

We make a cute couple.

Don't worry.  I'll finish cleaning the house and folding the laundry this afternoon.  I can't relax unless my house is clean.The big kids love to scrub toilets and will be anxious to earn their screen time.