Today didn’t unfold the way I imagined it would. The list of tasks I had hoped to accomplish? It didn’t get touched. In fact, my dear little one, I can honestly say I didn’t do a single thing today—thanks to you.
The laundry, which has been precariously piled high for days and spills over the hamper, remains untouched. Instead, I watched you rummage through your drawers, trying on and discarding numerous outfits until you proudly settled on the “big blue choo-choo shirt,” which, of course, you put on inside out.
I didn’t assemble the bookshelf we ordered from that online store last week. Instead, I joined you in the fort you built with your Mario blanket draped over the box of bookshelf pieces and the TV stand, relishing the stories we shared.
Practicing your ABCs was on my agenda, but that was replaced by a lesson in patience as I bit my tongue, trying not to react to the little trail of Cheerios you scattered around the house like Hansel and Gretel (a story we had just read in our fort).
I didn’t manage to drive to Jiffy Lube for that much-needed oil change, despite the warning light flashing incessantly. Instead, we raced Hot Wheels cars across the kitchen floor, erupting in laughter when they collided with the cat, sending her scurrying from the room.
The chicken in the freezer? Still there, as I opted to indulge in your toy kitchen, allowing you to serve me plastic sandwiches while I pretended to sip coffee. I didn’t reach out to the maintenance guy about the malfunctioning dishwasher. No, I was too busy chatting with you on the rock “cell phone” you handed me in the backyard, discussing bugs and all their wonders.
I didn’t get a chance to send your aunt’s birthday gift at the post office. Instead, I found myself dashing around the front yard pretending to be a dinosaur as you squealed “Sharp Tooth!” (In hindsight, maybe that dinosaur game wasn’t the brightest idea).
Resting was a luxury I didn’t indulge in. Instead, I rocked you to sleep during your nap because you were terrified there might be a real Sharp Tooth lurking in your closet. (Note to self: next time, stick to less terrifying games).
The bathrooms? Still dirty, and the microwave remains a mess. And those photos piling up on my dresser? Yeah, they’re still there, waiting to be sorted and cherished. However, amidst all this chaos, we created new memories—precious ones.
I didn’t squeeze in a workout today, but I did manage to squeeze you tight, and in return, I felt your little arms wrap around me. The bags of groceries I intended to bring in? Still in the car, but I carried you instead, and my heart is overflowing.
I didn’t even get to shower, but I took a moment—a moment to watch you diligently stack your blocks by color while serenading “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat,” which you just watched last night.
I listened as you rambled on about your minion Happy Meal toy, sharing your love for bananas and asking why the kitty doesn’t wear socks or eat bananas. I took a moment to appreciate your smallness, your adventurous spirit, and your vivid imagination.
Looking around at the chaos—the dishes piling up, the laundry scattered everywhere, the untouched to-do list—I then turned to you. The joy radiating from your face, the laughter in your eyes, reminded me that while I may not have checked off a single task today, I truly accomplished everything that matters.
So, my little one, thank you for reminding me that sometimes doing nothing means doing everything that really counts.
For more reflections on parenthood, check out this insightful piece on infertility resources. If you’re considering home insemination options, this at-home insemination kit is a reputable choice. And don’t forget to explore this blog post for further insights.
In summary, today was not about ticking off a checklist but about embracing the moments that make parenting so incredibly rich.
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