1. Bella hugs. Oh my, those hugs are enough to melt me. The way she tucks her head into my neck and gazes up into my eyes is a memory that I hope will never fade. It’s particularly great after she nurses and relaxes into me with a giggle. She’s such a star.

2. The way Primo runs at me (often breaking my glasses) and gives me a big boisterous hug several times a day.

3. Drawing or reading or building with Primo in the morning when only the two of us are up. It’s great to have one one one time without letting any of life’s distractions take over. (See below.)

4. Transferring Primo to his bed (from behind the door – yes, we’re doing that again) and having him snuggle in to me and then go right back to sleep. And then sleep through the night.

5. Awesome conversations with a two year old:
Primo: “Hawk. Hawk. HAWK…”
Me: “A hawk is a really big bird, kind of like an eagle. They can see VERY well and can even see a mouse from a kilometre away. And then? They swoop down and EAT it!”
Primo: “And then? That’s BEES-GUSTING!”

---

To My Grown-Up Son or Daughter

My hands were busy through the day.
I didn’t have much time to play
The little games you asked me to
I didn’t have much time for you

I’d wash your clothes; I‘d sew and cook
But when you’d bring your picture book
And ask me, please to share your fun
I’d say ,” A little later, Hon”

I’d tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers , turnout the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door,
I wish I’d stayed a minute more.

For life is short and years rush fast,
A little child grows up so fast,
No longer he is at our side,
With precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,
There are no children’s games to play ,
No goodnight kiss , no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands once busy, now are still
The days are long and hard to fill,
I wish I might go back and do,
The little things you asked me to.

-by Alice E. Chase

This makes me tear up, but so grateful to have children young enough that I still have a lot of years to keep these words of wisdom in mind.