Those Tender Moments

I can't believe my little man is FIVE years old. I can't believe how fast time goes, especially the older that I get. I was talking with a friend last night and telling her how blessed I feel that I'm really enjoying the stage of life that I'm at. I really love that my kids are getting older and less dependent on me (especially Lyric, last year at this time she was so clingy that it was just exhausting). Not that I don't look back at my kids years as babies with fondness, I loved snuggling those little infants and I even miss breastfeeding. The thing is, I think the stage I'm at now is great, and I'm content to be here. Being content is such a wonderful thing. Don't get me wrong, my days have their moments (as you've heard me complain about), where the stress of being a mostly-stay-at-home-mom gets to me, but in general I feel so peaceful about where my life is right now.

I had a few tender moments with Obi today that I had to share. I'm so blessed that my little monkey is still such a loving little guy. I have high hopes that he will always be tenderhearted. I see that in Joel and have always admired him for it. This afternoon I had all the kids lay down for a nap. Obi came into my room after about 7 minutes and said "was that long enough Mommy?". "No, I said, why don't you snuggle me for a while". He was more than happy to hop in beside me and he immediately snuggled in and started to stroke my face. I love those moments, I treasure them in my heart. It must have only been a minute or two and his hand got heavy on my face and I looked up to see his eyes shut. We napped together for 2 hours. One of the hilarious things with Obi is that he doesn't think that he EVER sleeps. So when he woke up I said, "did you sleep Obe"? "Nope" he said, still rubbing his eyes and looking dazed from just waking up. I smiled to myself. It's so funny because he things he lies in bed all night but doesn't sleep. Joel and I laugh about it all the time. Sweet.

Later, we were watching Babes in Toyland that we rented from the library. At the end when Tom and Mary finally get married he says "Mommy, this is so sad it's making me cry", then I could see the wheels turning and he said, "No, it's so wonderful that it's making tears come to my eyes". I just about fell off the couch, but he was so serious that I didn't let him see me laugh. He said it again about a minute later...so fun.

Then, when it was bedtime-story time, Lyric was 'reading' a book to Obi and I. Obi was playing along and helping her to tell the story (even though neither of them can read). It was so cute. Then he leans over and kisses her head. It's moments like those that make me realize how blessed I am to have my three little kiddies. They are so blessed to have each other too.

Thanks God for those sweet tender moments,

Melanie