“Mommy, can you snuggle with me?”
I glanced at the clock, exhaling deeply. It was already 9:30 p.m., and honestly, I felt drained. All I wanted was to unwind and catch up on a show with my husband, who I barely saw during the week. My head was pounding, and I was feeling overwhelmed after a long week of work and school.
“Why are you still awake? Just use your meditation app, and I’ll check on you in a bit,” I suggested.
“Please, Mama,” she pleaded, her eyes wide and earnest. “You haven’t lay down with me in ages.”
I met her gaze and noticed the dark circles under her eyes — she was likely as worn out as I was. She was right; I hadn’t shared a bedtime moment with her lately since she hadn’t asked. My daughter is now 8, nearly 9, and this year has been particularly tough for her at school. Her emotions have been all over the place, so we’ve turned bedtime into a moment to decompress, allowing her to immerse herself in her favorite books. Plus, she enjoys the independence of winding down by herself.
On the other hand, I always make time for her younger sister, who is just 5 and loves the cuddles as she learns to read. I still sing her favorite lullabies and say prayers, but I rarely read to our oldest anymore. I had assumed she had outgrown that phase. You know, those precious moments when you hear about their day — who they played with, what they shared during lunch, even their worries. Clearly, I miscalculated; she still craves that connection.
So, with a resigned sigh, I made my way to her room. I climbed into her bed, which felt a bit cramped for two, and she nestled into me, wrapping her arms around me just like she used to as a toddler. The scent of her new peppermint shampoo wafted over me, a reminder of how fast she’s growing up. I embraced her, feeling her tension ease away as we listened to her meditation app together. Her breathing slowed, and before long, she drifted off to sleep.
As I lingered a bit longer, I realized that soon enough, she probably won’t ask me to lie down with her anymore. She’s already stopped holding my hand while crossing the street and no longer rushes to me after school, now aware of how her friends might perceive those moments.
But tonight, none of that mattered. These seemingly small moments are, in fact, monumental. They teach us the essence of what truly matters in life — not the dishes waiting to be done, emails pinging, or notifications from social media. It’s simply about her. About us. About this moment.
Motherhood is a constant balancing act between our own needs and those of our children. Do I focus on work or spend quality time with my spouse? Clean the house or play with the kids? Go for a workout or binge-watch Netflix? It’s a relentless tug-of-war over where to invest our time and who deserves our attention most.
But on this particular night, I chose to be present for her — and I realized I needed that connection too.
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out Cryobaby’s Home Insemination Kit, a resource that can help with family planning. If you’re looking for household tips, Cleaning Hacks might be just what you need. And for those navigating the journey of pregnancy, this guide offers excellent information on what to expect during your first IUI.
In summary, always remember to cherish those fleeting moments with your children, as they are the true treasures in our busy lives.