Awakening
Sometimes he wakes up crying, but more often it’s a mild whimper… or playful squeals… or we open the door to check on him and he’s lying in the corner of the crib sucking his thumb, wide-eyed and waiting.
The reunion is always sweet. Though we see each other during the night, usually once, it’s quick and hazy and back to bed. Now he scoots hastily to the edge of his crib as I exclaim, “Christian! Good morning!” His smile pops out.
Chubby arms reach up and my hands encircle his small self, lifting him onto my hip. He slides comfortably into position, grasps my shoulder, sucks his thumb because he’s hungry but patient.
I hug his warm wiggly body and bury my nose in his downy baby-scented head. Time to change the diaper… I lay him down and he emits a high-pitched whine, nervously unhappy that he is not being fed yet.
When I wake up I think of my to-do list. My plan. My routine. Nap timing. Chores. The day is a blank slate waiting to be filled with efficient productivity. Vacuumed floor? Check. Cleaned bathroom? Check. Played with baby? Check.
Later, much later, I will remember. I am sometimes afraid that I will remember time management and good housekeeping instead of joyous days with my babies.
Jesus gives me the morning. My reunion with my little one. The weightless happiness of the beginning, when my own unmet expectations have yet to bear down on me. When I am not anxiously striving, feeling burdened and overwhelmed by my responsibilities
Diaper changed, I lift him back up. He fits so perfectly. We walk out to greet Daddy and a new day.
Couldn’t have said it better. You have captured some of my exact thoughts and emotions as a mom…..thank you! Beautiful!
To have only one thought on my heart and mind when I wake… and for it not to include a chore, or a checklist… 
This: I am sometimes afraid that I will remember time management and good housekeeping instead of joyous days with my babies.
Me, too. Let’s change that, shall we?
Thank you for sharing your heart, and giving us the courage to change these moments, and live in them…
I love this! One of my absolute favorite things about being a mom is how happy the kids are to see me when I come “rescue” them from their crib in the mornings. I hope you remembered to enjoy today. 
Lovely. I love the morning snuggles with my babies… it’s easily my favorite part of the day. I used to feel guilty for them… like I should be rushing through the morning, getting dishes done and school done and laundry going. Then a blogging friend mentioned how much she treasured them, and it helped me to realize that I SHOULD be treasuring them instead of feeling guilty for them. That was thankfully an easy guilt to let go of.
Loved this! The daily grind will wait, our babies hearts will not.
What a sweet photographic glimpse into your mornings, Anna…! I enjoyed that very much.
Evan and I sleep in the same room, so our morning stretches wake each other up…I put on my glasses and see a little face peering over the crib rails at me, and he waves good morning (his new trick that he’s so proud of).
(I pray that your blessings are the only things that weigh down your heart. )
He waves good morning? So precious!
I love this! Makes me look forward to such times with my own sweet baby.
Oh, to have a full day of morning…wouldn’t that be great?! Thanks for linking up, it’s perfect.