Each morning, my day begins with a ritual: brushing my teeth. I stand at the sink, dancing slightly as I brush, all because I desperately need to use the bathroom. However, the foul taste in my mouth takes precedence over my bodily urges. Bad breath is truly unbearable. So why is it that when my toddler exhales his morning breath, mixed with remnants of milk, directly into my face, I find it endearing? It’s simple—he’s my child. The closeness brings me joy, and I hope it lasts forever. Within the cozy confines of our home, my children enjoy privileges that would likely raise eyebrows in public. Here’s a glimpse into their antics:
- My toddler can sneeze right onto my face from mere inches away. Not the composed, polite sneeze of an adult, but a messy, wet explosion that he proudly follows with an enthusiastic “achoo!” Whether it’s “Achoo, Mommy!” or “Achoo, Daddy!” it’s hard to resist their charm—even if I’m left with a face full of toddler germs.
- The little one has a habit of bonking me on the head. He gleefully exclaims “bonk!” afterward, while I can’t help but laugh and join in the fun, despite the unexpected blows.
- My baby is a drool machine, able to drench my clothing in seconds, even after I’ve dressed for work. His innocent smile makes it all too easy to let it slide—it’ll dry eventually, right?
- The toddler loves to crown me with various items, declaring them “hats.” Whether it’s a stuffed animal or a Mega Block, I encourage his creativity. When he insists on placing a “hat” on his baby brother, I comply, thrilled by his imaginative spirit.
- My baby gets to chew on anything he desires—well, almost anything. I’d look peculiar gnawing on a remote control, but for him, it’s perfectly acceptable. “Here, let me remove the batteries, buddy,” I say, handing it over with a smile.
- My toddler frequently drags me into his pretend phone conversations, repeating the same three-second exchange ad infinitum. “Hello? Hi! How are you? Bye!” His delight is contagious, and I can’t help but indulge him.
- My children can produce astonishingly loud sounds at any moment. We might be quietly watching a show when they suddenly erupt in joyous squeals. It’s simply a part of being a kid, and I cherish their uninhibited nature.
- The baby can babble endlessly with “ba-ba-ba” without ever getting on my nerves. “Oh really, baby? Tell me more!” I engage in a playful back-and-forth that could last for hours.
- My toddler finds immense fascination in the toilet, exclaiming “Wow!” at something I’ve taken for granted for years. I admire his wonder and encourage him to share it.
- Bath time is a realm of endless enjoyment for my children. While I attempt to shower in peace, they revel in splashing water and playing with colorful toys, completely absorbed in their world.
- My toddler often surprises me with unexpected tackles, launching himself onto my back. I respond by flipping him forward, knowing one day he’ll be too heavy for this play. Until then, I’ll savor our playful moments.
- Personal space? What’s that? My children freely invade my bubble, and I welcome their closeness. The day they stop seeking proximity is the day I’ll start seeking it from them instead.
The list of things my kids can get away with is ever-evolving, just as my list of privileges as their mom grows. I’ll always hug them in public, hold their hands, and kiss their scrapes. No matter how old they get, they’ll always be my little ones. As Dave Grohl beautifully put it: breathe out so I can breathe you in—even if that breath is full of curdled milk and snacks. Stay close, my sweet child. For more insights on parenting, check out this engaging post here.
In conclusion, parenting is filled with delightful moments where our children can be themselves and get away with things that would otherwise be unacceptable. Embrace these fleeting years of innocence and wonder, and remember to cherish the chaos.