Today did not unfold as I had anticipated.
I didn’t accomplish any of the tasks I had deemed essential. In fact, my dear child, thanks to you, I really didn’t achieve much of anything at all.
I didn’t tackle the mountain of laundry that has been accumulating for days, spilling over the edges of the hamper and creating obstacles every time I navigate your playroom. Instead, I watched you rummage through your drawers, trying on and discarding multiple outfits before finally choosing the “big blue train shirt” and triumphantly pulling it over your head (albeit inside out).
I didn’t assemble the bookshelf we recently ordered online. Rather, I sat with you in the fort you built – your Mario blanket draped between the box of bookshelf parts and the television stand – as we shared stories.
I didn’t practice your ABCs, as I had intended. Instead, I focused on practicing patience, biting my tongue to refrain from expressing frustration when I noticed the scattered trail of Cheerios you left throughout the house, reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel (a story we enjoyed in your blanket fort).
I didn’t drive the van to the auto shop for an oil change, despite that persistent warning light on the dashboard. Instead, I raced Hot Wheels cars across the kitchen floor with you, relishing your laughter when they collided with the cat, sending her hissing out of the room.
I didn’t prepare the chicken that has languished in the freezer for weeks. Instead, I joined you in front of your toy kitchen, allowing you to serve me plastic sandwiches as I savored pretend coffee.
I didn’t reach out to the maintenance technician about the malfunctioning dishwasher. Instead, I used the rock “cell phone” you handed me in the backyard, engaging in a delightful conversation about bugs.
I didn’t manage to mail your Aunt’s birthday gift. Instead, I played dinosaur with you on the front lawn after lunch, as you squealed “Sharp Tooth!” (I also ended up watching The Land Before Time with you while you snacked).
I didn’t take the nap that my body and mind desperately needed. Instead, I rocked you to sleep during your nap time, since you were afraid there might be a real Sharp Tooth lurking in your closet. (Perhaps the dinosaur game wasn’t the best idea.)
I didn’t clean the bathrooms or tackle the microwave. (Let’s be honest; I never planned to clean the bathrooms or the microwave anyway.) I didn’t sift through the piles of photographs that have been gathering dust on my dresser for months.
But I did create new memories.
I didn’t fit in a workout. However, I did get to embrace you tightly, and I felt your warm squeeze in return. I didn’t bring in the groceries I intended to purchase today, leaving the refrigerator nearly empty. Instead, I carried you, and my heart overflowed with love.
I didn’t even have a chance to shower. But I did take a moment to observe you as you meticulously stacked your blocks by color, singing “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” while you worked (having just watched The Aristocats for the first time last night).
I took a moment to listen to your imaginative ramblings about your minion Happy Meal toy, as you nonsensically discussed your “banana guy,” your fondness for bananas, and how bananas are yellow, just like your socks. You pondered why the kitty doesn’t wear socks or eat bananas, and why everyone wants to be a cat.
I took a moment to appreciate your smallness, your perfection, your charmingly mischievous nature, and your vivid imagination. I took a moment to grasp the fleeting moments of your childhood.
Looking around our home – at the towering stacks of dishes near the sink, the laundry scattered across the floor, the food splattered in the microwave, and the untouched to-do list on the whiteboard – I then turned my attention to you. Your smile, your laughter, and the vibrant energy radiating from your little self remind me of how quickly you’re growing up. A little one who still invites Mama into his magical world.
And in this realization, I understand: No, my little one. Because of you, I didn’t do anything today. Today, because of you, I truly experienced everything.
Further Insights
For further insights into pregnancy and home insemination, you can explore this resource, or check out this blog post for additional information. If you’re looking for ways to enhance fertility, consider visiting this authority for expert advice.
In summary, while the day may not have gone according to plan, the true essence of motherhood lies in the moments spent nurturing and bonding with your child. The chores may wait, but the memories created are invaluable.