I love this little girl, there is no question about that. She makes me laugh, smile, cry, and sometimes let out a sigh and shrug my shoulders in frustration because I honestly have no idea how to handle the most recent child/parent power struggle.
I am so looking forward to being home with Maddie (and the two other precious girls that will be arriving shortly). The opportunity to be home with her while her life somewhat revolves around me is priceless. I'm not trying to single out my time as a SAHM with Maddie, I know there are two more joining us shortly and I will love them and cherish my time with them just as much.
Last night I got home from work and she came to stand next to me, resting her head on my very pregnant belly. I asked her if she wanted some snuggle time and she excitedly said "YES!" We went to the couch and she sat in my lap while we went through the alphabet flashcards that came in her Easter basket. The TV was off, Daddy was in the kitchen preparing dinner, we had a few minutes to enjoy each other. I know I don't take advantage of all the chances to have moments like that, but I try to do it often.
It is not uncommon for me to hear words of flattery several times a day. Who couldn't use that? A few weeks ago Maddie was in the tub. I was washing dishes in the kitchen right next to the bathroom and said "Maddie, how are you doing?"
"Good, Mommy. How are you doing?"
"I'm good, too."
"Thanks for checking on me, Mommy!"
I love how she has the whole soundtrack to "Wicked" memorized. It is the only thing we listen to in the car...ever. She sings along with it, asks us "What does that mean?" when she doesn't understand or know a word. She still doesn't understand what "ever since I laid eyes on you" means, because how can one possibly take their eyes out? She has recently felt comfortable enough with the lyrics to the songs that she sings while playing, coloring, etc. She loves to show off her talent when we have other people with us in the car. Of course, everyone has been equally impressed by the 3 year old who knows an entire broadway musical soundtrack.
Bedtime is her favorite because she knows she gets undivided attention. Bedtime stories read by Mom (she has told Aaron he doesn't read stories as good as Mommy does) are her most prized possession, and I can often use them as an incentive to do something . She gets a minimum of one story per night, and can earn more. Last night we started reading at 20 to 8 and I tucked her in to bed just before 8:30. She would notice that the story I was currently reading was almost over and she'd raise a finger (or two, or three) requesting another story with a sweet smile. I ended up reading her 5 stories last night. She sits on my lap or snuggles up next to me and listens intently. Our favorites are the big fat books with a collection of stories in them, and I've recently had to purchase a couple more because we've read the stories so many times I just couldn't take it anymore.
I love that she comes running to me when she wakes up in the morning. Sometimes I'm still in bed, she'll climb in next to me, give me a hug and kiss and say "Good morning!" Sometimes I'm getting ready, she'll sneak into the bathroom and hold her arms out for a hug and say "Good morning!" Sometimes I have to wake her up. On those mornings she is hiding under her blankets (she likes to sleep covered from head to toe) and I am greeted almost instantly by an enthusiastic "Good morning!" I still remember the advice my Aunt Caroline gave me at my baby shower. She told me to cherish and enjoy the moments in the morning when my children are still sleepy and cuddly. I think that's something that I would have figured out eventually, but I have enjoyed those first quiet moments in the morning since the day Maddie was born because of that advice.
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