Slow Down

Today was supposed to be completely different than what it was. We had spent the Easter weekend away with family, so I had an itinerary that involved catching up on a grand scale: unpacking, laundry, dishes, blogging, the emerald-colored fish tank. It was going to be fast, furious and effective.

Instead, I held the baby. A lot. I know, that's what mothers are supposed to do, hold their babies. And I do. But this baby is "so chill" (as my newly-minted sister-in-law has declared), I have gotten into the groove of doing a lot less holding than I should. It's reckless of me to schedule my day around a presumption of infant "chill".

It certainly backfired today.

No laundry was done. The dishes were only washed as needed ("Quick! We need eight forks so we can eat lunch!"). Suitcases were still strewn about the living room when my husband arrived home from work. Certain of my children were still in pajamas when Noon arrived. The scum on the front pane of the fish tank glass was etched away playfully by a helpful child.

My baby needed to be held today. Happiness and "chill" were illusive for her, and so she and I searched for them together. Some hours were more effective than others.

I am grateful that God has given me the privilege of being a mother. I am grateful for the fussy spells that obligate me to slow down and smell the roses baby. I am confident that God designed the mother-infant arrangement that way on purpose. It is good for me to take it down a notch more often than I do. I am grateful for a husband who smiles when I tell him I held the baby instead of doing housework, and then washes the dishes.

What are you blessed with today?