Stolen Moments

I grabbed you up in my arms as your chubby baby hands reached up for me. One little tear was coming down your face. It was time. Time for you to sleep and be rejuvenated.

We made our way into the hall that we walk down every morning while I made circles on your back with my hand and whispered into your ear. By now you know that my entrance into your room and the closing of the door behind me means it is time to rest.

This day my mind was reeling with all the things that I needed to accomplish once you were safely inside your crib, off in dream land.

It didn’t matter though. As you rested your head on my shoulder and I took in the sweet smell of your hair, I tried to forget about everything else except for this moment.

You raised your head and looked into my eyes and I into yours and I began to think about the day when I could no longer hold you like this. Your brother is already there. I tried to memorize your face - your sweet little nose and long lashes as you laid your head back down.

I squeezed your toes and felt the baby soft skin on your short little legs. I said a quick prayer that it wouldn’t go too fast, this time, these days when you are still small, still my baby.

Instead of lying you down right away I held you longer and hummed a lullaby while you relaxed into my embrace. I wished for this moment to last forever.

I would have stayed longer but you did need your sleep. I promise to find ways to steal more of these moments with you from now on. The laundry and dishes and dusting can wait. But these times will be gone in the blink of an eye. I will close my eyes and hope for them to last just a little longer…