It’s for me, even if I don’t know why.

Feeling pretty peaceful today. I watched a creeped out movie last night by myself (Dead Silence) which is something I like to do (watch creeped out movies, not by myself, particularly). Somehow, I made it through the night. Usually, I end up imagining only 5 less than 1,074 ways I’m going to die the night after I watch something like that alone. Seriously, don’t watch crap like The Ring or The Grudge by yourself. Or be by yourself ever again after you watch them. (Kids in the house don’t count, they’re worthless during a ghost or demon attack.)

I digress. The main point being pushed aside by my blathering is that I slept really well last night. My fingers never touched my keyboard after 9:30pm – a rarity. Woke up this morning and listened to Braden playing in his room (in his crib) until he sounded the cranky “Come Get Me NOW” alarm. Then I stripped him of PJs and we went downstairs for breakfast. Some days I just let him run around while he eats instead of sitting at the table. I know, bad eating habits and all that (blah blah blah bahl). It’s the exception rather than the norm, so I don’t buy that bunk.

He’s been running around naked, laughing his little dimples into a frenzy over Teletubbies, and shoving banana chunks, wheat chex, and rice milk down his little throat. He ran over to the television screen a while ago, pointed (so close he was touching it) and said, “weeeeehhhhdddd!!!” He was right. It was completely red, with the red Teletubby standing in the middle of it. He’s been showing an intense interest in letters, numbers, shapes, and colors lately. I don’t push it, but I answer all his questions. And I kind of stand back, observing his brilliance, then reinforcing his enthusiasm. It amazes me, makes me proud. Of course, I’m also proud every time he announces, “aaahhhrt!” (fart) and “buuuhhhp!” (burp)

I dropped onto the couch after eating my granola bars and drinking my coffee, to continue watching him parade around in laughter at these odd, annoying, little colored creatures dancing around on my television screen. Braden’s sick right now, so he’s a bit more snugglie than usual. He ran over to the couch, flashed his dimples at me, and then crawled up and inserted himself into the empty space on my torso, pressing his face into my chest. I watched him while he watched TV. And I felt so lucky.

Here I am, laying on this couch with a full belly, and I get to touch his soft skin. I get to look at his adorable face, and kiss his sweet cheek. He wants me to hold him close. And I get to. Other than John (when he’s here) I’m the only one who gets to enjoy Braden’s sweetness in this way. I’m the only one who gets to hold him in an embrace like this, savoring his sweet smell, knowing that he loves me.

I’m the only one (most of the time) who gets to see him doing things like this:

I’m the only one who gets to see his cute and funny little dances this morning, and receive his hugs full of love and confidence. For that, though I see no reason why I deserve it, I am infinitely thankful.

No snark today, folks. Just blessings for your Friday. Here’s hoping your week wraps up pleasantly.

Blessings, Burp, dimples, Fart, happiness, joy, love, motherhood, my son, Parenting, Peaceful, Thankful

This entry was posted on August 8, 2008, 9:41 AM and is filed under Happiness, Love, My Son, Parenting. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

#1 by MommyCosm on August 8, 2008 - 10:31 AM

I’m glad you got the chance to soak it all in today. Those moments are wonderful and I wish that we could just stop ourselves a little more and live in the moment. That’s one of my biggest challenges as a mom…balancing the appreciation of the NOW while trying to be ring leader for the planning of everything else.

MommyCosms last blog post..Haiku Friday: Forgiveness

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#2 by Amy on August 8, 2008 - 10:40 AM

What on earth was making him laugh like that?

#3 by Claire in CA, USA on August 8, 2008 - 10:47 AM

I miss those days soooo much.

You are absolutely nuts to watch a horror movie by yourself! You’re so right about “The Ring.” Scared the crud out of me. And “Dead Silence?” Um, the commercials had to be turned off…that lady is absolutely demonic looking. I no longer watch those movies; my imagination is far too active when it’s dark at night.

#4 by Connie on August 8, 2008 - 11:01 AM

Glad that you & Braden have had some good times together~that’s awesome! I take advantage of any cuddling & snuggling w/my boys so I can totally relate!

That video is SO cute! You are blessed Lotus It’s obvious what a happy child Braden is & that’s what we as parents strive for! You & John are great parents

Connies last blog post..Weekly Winners=July 27th-August 2cd 2008

#5 by Amy @ Milk Breath & Margaritas on August 8, 2008 - 11:04 AM

So sweet I want to adopt you both.

Well, I’d take John too I guess.

Amy @ Milk Breath & Margaritass last blog post..Dear Delta Airlines

#6 by Adena on August 8, 2008 - 11:09 AM

It’s great that you can “be in the moment” – sometimes hard to do – but wonderful when you can do it.

Adenas last blog post..47: a good number

#7 by missy wiggins on August 8, 2008 - 11:18 AM

Very heart warming. This age is so full of wonder and amazement. Even when they say “fart” and “burp.”
Have a great weekend.

#8 by Tracey on August 8, 2008 - 11:38 AM

Sounds like a perfect morning to me!

You really reflect so many of the quiet thoughts and emotions that run through my head during the times I am alone with my own little blessing. Motherhood is truly amazing!!!

Thanks for bringing a tear to my eye Lotus!

Traceys last blog post..A look back to the pre-mom days

#9 by Allie on August 8, 2008 - 12:52 PM

One word.
Blessed.

#10 by HappyCampers on August 8, 2008 - 1:02 PM

Beauuuutiful post Isn’t it so true, about the snuggle? Just two nights ago, Reese crawled up into my lap, said “I’m tired” and proceeded to fall asleep. I must have sat there for about an hour, listening to him breathe & melt into my arms & lap with his limp body. Those times are too few now. It’s always good to STOP and just savor the moment sometimes, huh?

And horror movies alone? No thank you! I get soooo freaked out. I can’t sleep. Aliens are my thing. And the dogs would be useless, because the aliens would just zap them first, so they couldn’t bark to alert me.

#11 by Trina on August 8, 2008 - 1:10 PM

I love your post today. It makes me want to go hug my kids!

Trinas last blog post..Cranberry Orange Muffins

#12 by beautifulmess on August 8, 2008 - 1:14 PM

I love those lil moments with my munch as well. Those times she just wants mommy makes me just melt.

His lil laugh is infectious. So precious.

beautifulmesss last blog post..Whoot! Whoot!

#13 by Mike on August 8, 2008 - 1:29 PM

Your mom and in that you “deserve” it. Cherish these times because they grow up way too fast…

#14 by Miss Britt on August 8, 2008 - 1:32 PM

That’s one of the greatest gifts of being a mom. That tiny exclusive club that no one else even knows you’re a member of – and it’s awesome.

Miss Britts last blog post..Mr. Washington

#15 by Marylin on August 8, 2008 - 2:16 PM

Oh such a beautiful little boy, what an infectious laugh! I love being an exclusive too!

Marylins last blog post..Hai, I’m TRYIN to sleep!!

#16 by Alicia on August 8, 2008 - 2:17 PM

That’s such a great way to look at it! So often I dwell in being all alone with the kids. This one is going to stick with me. Great post.

#17 by Sarcastic Mom, aka Lotus on August 8, 2008 - 2:30 PM

Amy,

I set up the camera on a tripod and then jump in and out of the room through the doorway. He finds it hilarious.

#18 by Rachael on August 8, 2008 - 3:12 PM

What a great post, and an adorable video. My little sister and her friend just came over to watch it too! Those moments are so amazing… it makes all the hard times worth it.

Rachaels last blog post..Haiku Friday: Vacation Unplugged

#19 by Tracy on August 8, 2008 - 3:13 PM

This is the kind of morning you need to hold onto so you don’t kill them when they fingerpaint themselves, the dogs, and their entire room in poop. I find myself wishing for those days now that my kids are teens and tweens, at least back then “burp”, “fart”, and “NO!” were cute

Tracys last blog post..More Fabric

#20 by Tracy on August 8, 2008 - 3:15 PM

As for the scary movies, don;t even go there. I learned a long time ago I had gotten too old for them, lol, I generally remember every scene of Pumpkinhead when I’m camping and sure that someone is going to get me. And when that doesn’t keep me up, the thought of bears and skunks surely will!

#21 by MaryAnn on August 8, 2008 - 4:39 PM

As much as I love Sarcastic Lotus, I like Grateful-Happy Lotus quite a bit too.

#22 by Elizabeth on August 8, 2008 - 4:49 PM

Awww, I like this post! Why do you deserve it? Because you MADE HIM, that’s why! Because when he is in your arms, on your chest, he is HOME.

*sniff*

#23 by lceel on August 8, 2008 - 7:14 PM

Sweet. And tender. A lovely side of Lotus. Actually all the sides of Lotus are lovely – but especially this one.

lceels last blog post..Haiku Friday and stuff

#24 by KAT on August 8, 2008 - 7:32 PM

The Ring – I had nightmares for a year. A YEAR!

Yummy Braden post. Continually amazing how the short people who we (sometime) hate the most, are the ones we love the most.

I LOVE my mornings when my dude is in preschool, and all the stuff I get to accomplish, but just today I couldn’t stop kissing him when I picked him up. I MISS kissing him for those hours.

KATs last blog post..Bye-bye pee pee! Ai La Loo Too!

#25 by Ree on August 8, 2008 - 8:02 PM

I know I’ve told you this before, but you’ve got a beautiful boy there. I love to listen to his laugh.

#26 by Tara R on August 8, 2008 - 8:41 PM

beautifully true.

#27 by Jenny from Mommin' It Up! on August 8, 2008 - 8:50 PM

that was so sweet, and i loved every word! so glad you wrote it.

#28 by Colleen - Mommy Always Wins on August 8, 2008 - 9:40 PM

God, I needed more moments like that of my own today! They make the crazy, pull-your-hair-out moments that much easier to take.

Good thoughts!

#29 by Raging Dad on August 8, 2008 - 9:41 PM

Ah, so sweet. Makes me remember the days with just a singleton. I have similar memories of my daughter. Sadly, I do not think I have them of my twin boys.

#30 by Cassandra Rae on August 8, 2008 - 11:46 PM

It’s so nice to revel in the glory of being a mom :~)

Cassandra Raes last blog post..When I Was a Kid…

#31 by river on August 9, 2008 - 3:00 AM

I love scary movies too. Years ago when the kids were little we watched something called Blood Beach. We talked about it for years and even now the one scene that made us all jump out of our skin is still remembered by all of them. My kids are like me, the gorier the better as far as they’re concerned.

#32 by Stephanie on August 9, 2008 - 8:40 AM

That is the most infectious laugh! I wondered what you were doing to keep him laughing for that long…then I read your comment!

Scary movies? No way. I remember watching a Freddie Krueger movie when I was in junior high…dead middle of the day…my mom & sister there with him. I DOVE behind the couch when Freddie jumped out. Of course I still hear about that one every now and then. No more scary for me. Now, post children, I would probably pee my pants!

GREAT post!!!

Stephanies last blog post..Random Thoughts

#33 by autumn dahlia on August 9, 2008 - 5:49 PM

He’s totally cracking me up!! Such a cute post today

#34 by Elaine on August 9, 2008 - 10:49 PM

Couldn’t you just listen to that all day? Baby laughs are so infectious! I will have to show that to my boys tomorrow when they are awake!

Love your post, so sweet and you’re right, you are lucky & blessed…

Elaines last blog post..Beachy Keen

#35 by Drea on August 10, 2008 - 8:33 AM

My kids like teletubbies 2… weird show!!! they watch it ever blue moon.
caleb watched the video and was tickled by it. Love the giggles.. he almost sounded like it hurt towards the end HAHA.

Dreas last blog post..Prayer for Comfort and Peace

#36 by Hotmamamia on August 10, 2008 - 10:22 AM

what a beautiful post—made me feel so serene…all my babies are grown so now I cherish my two kitties Samson and Delila when they cuddle…hope you have more lovely days like this!

Hotmamamias last blog post..I will not blog, I will not blog