13. Haiku To A Cleft Chin

Two mountains apart

A subtle valley between

A mother's heart leaps

12. Simple Treasures

I had a little moment of perfection today. I was stretched out on a soft blanket in my backyard. The temperature was wonderful. I was neither hot nor cold, and a light breeze blew, just gentle enough to be pleasant without being frustrating. I had a book in hand that had my girlish heart fluttering. My baby was nestled next to me, fast asleep with his sweet little face propped up on his chubby arms, his tiny lips parted slightly and his full eyelashes resting peacefully as he dozed. My phone quietly played my favorite piece of classical music (Chopin's nocturne 19 -- quite possibly the most beautiful music ever written). Beyond our little sanctuary, the gentle sound of of the passing cars hummed, creating a rolling white noise that only added to the peace. In that moment I could not help but smile and breathe in the happiness surrounding me. I truly do have a wonderful life. No matter the struggles or frustrations motherhood can bring, these tiny moments remind me of the simple pleasures that fill my life.

11. The Precarious State of Relaxing

My house is a mess right now. There are currently seven shoes on the living room floor. I couldn't tell you where the three unmatched halves are. There are toys, dirty baby clothes, at least nine puzzle pieces, a backpack and the folder that is supposed to be in it, four throw pillows, one neck pillow, a baseball, three recently emptied buckets --with two each missing one handle-- a blanket, three movie cases, and the microphone to a karaoke machine. And that's just what I can see as I lie here on my couch. "So why don't you get up and clean it?" I can hear you asking. Sleep. 

That is the driving force in this household. It is the precious reason behind many of the daily efforts of this stay-at-home mom. Oh, I'm not talking about my sleep. At least, not today. Today is all about the kids' sleep. You see, I have three kids, and right now ALL OF THEM ARE NAPPING. Yes. You read that right. Let me repeat in case you missed it. All. Three. Kids. Are. Napping. The four year old, the two year old, and the five month old are ALL asleep. 

Now. If you're not a stay-at-home mom you may not realize what a big deal this is. One sleeping child is a break. Two sleeping children is downright calming. But to have all three beings unconscious at once? Miracle.

Could I be washing dishes? Sure. If I wanted to ruin the peace. Could I be picking up the toys? If I wanted to risk the inevitable floor creak or shifting toybox pile, misjudged distance to the couch. But I don't. Sleeping children are happy children. And happy children mean happy mom. 

So the mess can wait. I have some alone time to enjoy.

10. Little Boys and Girl

Little boy in blue

What is it that you do?

Will you kick your shoe

When you go out to the zoo?

Little boy in green

What is it that you've seen?

Will you become mean

When you turn into a teen?

Little girl in pink

What is it thank you think?

Will you spill your drink

When you skate on the ice rink?

9. Number One Mom

Baby feet and baby hands

Footballs, trains and pink headbands

What's it like to be a mom?

Turn around; your food is gone.

The floor is clean? Ha, no it's not!

Don't touch that! It's big big hot!

Being mom is lots of fun.

In their eyes you're number one.

8. Turned Away

If you had been a child 

When Jesus Christ was born

Would you have acted wild

Or helped his mother worn?

Would you have held the lamp up

And shown them to the stable?

Or would you hold your hand up,

Not helping though you're able?

If Joseph came up to your door

And begged a room to rent

Would you let in the humble poor

Or have them away sent?

Your neighbors are his children.

You see them standing there.

Will you shake your heels at them

Or give what you can spare?

7. One More Potty

Gotta go potty!

Mom, let's go!

Gotta go potty!

Let it flow.

One more potty!

One more run.

One more tinkle.

Aah all done.

One more potty!

One more time.

One more droplet.

Now I'm fine.

One more potty!

There's still more.

One more potty.

Shut the door!

One more potty!

One more gush.

One more lid closed.

One more flush.

One more potty!

One more wipe.

One more sprinkle.

One more swipe.

One more potty!

One more stand.

One more soap

To wash my hands.

One more potty!

Cheeks bright red.

Finally empty.

Time for bed.