I think we all pray for the day when our kids will sleep through the night. And that first night that they finally do feels like a major victory. And once we reach that point, why would we ever want to go back?
I had church activities last night and Todd was at a Carolina baseball game. My mom got the boys to bed for me. When I got home, I checked on Hudson and he was asleep. I settled in on the couch and was in a hazy state while watching Joshua Ledet slay the competition. (Just my two cents.)
All of a sudden, I heard a sob. And then I heard screaming, “I want my mommy!” So I jumped up and rushed to Hudson’s room. I tucked him back in, kissed him, and returned to my spot.
About thirty minutes later, it happened again. So I asked him if he wanted to come snuggle up with me on the couch for a few minutes.
Those moments between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. before I go to bed are my only true moments of completely relaxed “me time” during the day. I can respond to emails, watch whatever I want on TV, catch up with my husband, or just fall asleep on the couch. All things I like to do.
But when my three-year-old is calling for his mommy, it all changes.
There is nothing sweeter than the feeling of a still, snuggly toddler boy breathing deeply while his heavy eyelids blink closed against your cheek. There is nothing that breaks my heart more than looking at his soft little hand holding mine while my other arm is supporting his solid little body in the little nook where my arm meets my body.
I held Hudson while we listened to the American Idol contestants finish their performances. We giggled a few times, but mostly just laid there in silence.
I absolutely love that my kids like to sleep. But when I got the opportunity to hold my biggest baby without any distraction last night, I was overwhelmed with excitement. Truly.
I imagine this is how the Father feels about me. I come to Him daily when it’s easy and I have time. But when life gets hectic, I push my time with Him to the back of my list. So I go on about my way, asserting my independence and just taking care of myself.
But when I can’t go on like that anymore, and I finally open my eyes and realize that I need Him, He’s ready for me. With open arms and more comfort than I could ever imagine. When I pray and ask for this comfort, I imagine myself in that same little nook where I had Hudson last night.
Love it!! What a great God we have that will always aceept us!
PS the pic is adorable! 🙂
beautiful, beautiful post erin. i’ve gotten myself into a pickle this morning. i’m steeling myself. i’m shutting my emotions down (and my phone too – so i can shut the person who hurt me out), so that i can grit my teeth and power through my day . real mature. what i need to do is soften up and run to His nook. thanks for reminding me.
Awe, that was such a sweet post! I loved it when my kids reached the point where they would actually lie/sit still in my lap. Cherished moments for sure!!
Oh and btw, Joshua Ledet is from my hometown and he did slay it, for sure. I can’t wait for the parade here in town Saturday.
You are such a sweet momma, and such a sweet blogger. You truly have a gift for writing exactly what I need to hear on a daily basis. Love this post! And love being reminded to spend some more time ‘in the nook.’ 🙂
Great post!
Beautiful post. Cuddles with sleepy kids have to be the best thing in the world!
Love this. This is such a great analogy!
It’s so true! I look forward to my couple of hours of “me” time but when Peanut is ready for bed and she’s had her bottle, i have a hard time standing up and putting her in her crib. I delay the moments, enjoying breathing her little sweet scent in, knowing that a few years down the road it’ll be gone (the snuggles….)
Hi Erin. I have been reading for a few years now, but this might be my first comment. This was a beautiful blog post today! I am about to be a first time mommy in August, and these are all the moment that i cannot wait to experience. Thank you for sharing your days with us!
This is so precious. Motherhood is such a gift from God 🙂
beautifully said! when i was pregnant with my 2nd (he’s now 15mos) he was diagnosed with an enlarged ventricle in his brain. i spent so many sleepless nights in prayer and reading my Bible. Although those days were hard that was one of a few times in my life that i have felt so comforted and protected by my Heavenly Daddy. What a sweet picture to see myself in the nook of His arm! btw my son was born just fine, no enlarged ventricle!!:) keep on keeping on, you are doing a great job with those two boys!
Eunice
The best part (well one of the best) about creating good little sleepers is that you don’t mind – and even cherish – the times when they need a little extra comfort!
Great title and great analogy! Thanks.
Great post, Erin!
Love this post-it’s a reminder that we need to just snuggle and cherish those unexpected times!
There is so much I could say about this post…but to keep it short…thank you!!! 🙂
Just want to say that I’ve been checking in on your blog almost daily for years (so obviously I love it) but I very rarely comment. But I love this post. This is just beautiful and it really hit home. Thank you.
What an awesome analogy.
It totally reminded me of my Papa. When he died, one of my cousins got up to speak, and said my grandfather lived his life like “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” You know, right up under the wing. And it was that faith that he was always right there, in the nook, that brought an incredible peace to his life.
His relationship with the Lord was obvious, and this is exactly what it reminded me of.
Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful analogy that He’s always waiting for us with open arms. Thank you for this reminder!