“Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved.  The real milestones are less prepossessing.  They come to the door of memory unannounced, stray dogs that amble in, sniff around a bit and simply never leave.  Our lives are measured by these.” -Susan B. Anthony

A new habit has formed at our house at naptimes: I sit with the girls as they fall into sleep.  I curl up in my favorite rocking chair (a gift from Mom) with my favorite quilt (a gift handmade by my Aunt Zelma), and I quietly read a novel (one of many juicy wonderful books on loan from my mother-in-law).  What used to be the most stressful part of the afternoon has become the best 25 minutes of my day.  In those tranquil minutes, I am rejuvenated and rewarded for a hard morning’s work.  Watching little people rest is Mothering Nirvana.  I want so badly to curl up with them and borrow just an ounce of how good they must feel.  No potty training or numbers to learn…only gentle, quiet breathing and a good book.

Greg thinks I’m crazy for figuratively holding their hands at naptime every day, and maybe he’s right.  I’m sure every parenting book on earth would tell me I’m “doing it wrong”.  But mostly I spend that time hoping the girls will remember that when they asked me to sit with them at naps…every single blessed day I said yes.  No begging or whining needed, just Mommy gently reminding them to “Shh…no playing with loveys, only cuddling”…and watching over them.  Hear me little ladies: forget that I didn’t let you eat lollipops for lunch, and remember THIS PART.  Love always, Mommy