Do you know those mornings where you wake up and you just feel…. meh?
I had one of those mornings recently. I was feeling fatigued, heavy in the mind and body and I had the task of taking the toddler to his gym class by myself, unlike previous weeks where his father could come along.
I wasn’t feeling confident that he would behave. That I could do all the physical lifting that’s required in the class.
I did not want to go. Waaaaaaah.
I just wanted to crawl back into bed and stay there.
I was a bad mother that morning, those 2 hours between waking up and going out. I was short with my son. I was impatient and irritable.
And I did not know why.
We trooped out. Monkey sang along to his CD of songs in the car, while I drove the short distance to the mall where the gym was.
He giggled and said thank you when I helped him out of his car seat.
My trepidation rose as we approached the gym. Monkey covered his face, rubbed his eyes – his defense mechanism. And I could feel myself tense.
Shoes off, bag down. Circle time, here we come.
Monkey sat on my lap, looking around, unsure.
Two minutes in, he stood up and tugged at my hand.
He wanted to go to the gym equipment and so we went.
And my son lifted me up then.
He played. He explored. He tried the balance beam all by himself. He laughed. He hugged. He clapped. He cheered.
45 minutes whizzed by. Time to go, and a cheerful, “Bye bye!”
As is our custom, we went to a nearby cafe for brunch.
And he lifted me up again.
He sat on my lap, chuckling and speaking softly, quietly waiting for our food and drinks.
Finished, we stood up to go and I practically skipped to the car, my heart was so light.
Nap time, we cuddled together tight on his single bed.
And he said, Mama, Mama. I said, hey buddy, kiss?
And he did. He kissed me on my cheek. I giggled. And it was a blur of kisses and giggles and cuddles.
And I felt complete and light and sad at the same time, because I know that these moments are fleeting and the growing up never stops, and the occasional heaviness I feel robs me of what little time we have on this Earth to just be kisses and giggles and cuddles.
But on this day, my son lifted me up.
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Latest posts by Alison (see all)
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Hi, I'm Alison. I write. I mother. I make wishes. I keep memories. Founder of Little Love Media, social media consultancy. I get by on copious amounts of chocolate, cupcakes, coffee, blogging & social media.
love!
I too have those days…
and how quickly the munchkins can turn my mood around…
Not a Perfect Mom recently wrote…A Bright Idea
Thank goodness for our munchkins.
Such a gift, these kids! I’ve had days like that, and I’m humbled every time my kids forgive me and do not pass judgement on my cranky, meh mood.
Love that your day turned around thanks to a happy, little guy!
Missy recently wrote…Six
Kid are so forgiving, we could really take a leaf out of their book. I love that my little guy is a happy dude, he needs to balance his mother out
I love those days. They’re especially nice when they’re unexpected and I do so much better at appreciating them.
Robin recently wrote…Review: The Secret Lives of Wives
I wish those days upon you, Robin. You deserve them
That is absolutely beautiful. I miss the days when they are little and you can have those wonderfully close moments. Mine are growing up too fast!
Anna recently wrote…Tell me I am not the only one!
I do hope that even as he grows up, he’ll still give me those moments – tell me it’s possible!
That was the nicest post. Thank you for sharing such a lovely moment, Alison. It was so beautifully written I could see Monkey being such a good boy. Hugs to you!
Ann recently wrote…Sticky Lemon Chicken
Thank you Ann! Hugs back from Monkey and I!
The unconditional love we get from our kids especially when they are young is amazing and something we should try to imitate and integrate into our every day lives.
It makes us feel great as well.
Susie Newday recently wrote…You Don’t Always Need To Know The Reasons
Susie, you’re absolutely right. We should aim to be the lifter, not always the lifted.
Ah. Those are the most fabulous parenting moments. When they love us so much to barely notice our crabbiness, and just envelop us in kisses and giggles and enthusiasm for life. You described it perfectly.
Jessica recently wrote…Of boys and haircuts and lollipops
Thank you Jessica. I’m pretty lucky
love these moments… beautifully captured.
tara pohlkotte recently wrote…My Mother Lilacs and I
Thanks Tara!
It sounds like the day turned around and was one to remember. How wonderful!
JDaniel4′s Mom recently wrote…Pause Life for a Moment-Preppy Girl in Pink
It definitely turned around!
This is why you need to go for that third kid – you don’t feel obligated to even sign-up for these kinds of classes anymore. Truly a win/win. xoxo
tracy recently wrote…Taming a Rabbit
If you promise to move next door to me, I’ll go for the 3rd kid.
I truly believe that are children are sense our moods and that they care, like really care, that we are happy, OK, and feeling loved. You’re not a bad mom when you’re having a tough time with the hard parts of being a mom, you’re doing your best. You’re human.
You were open to being happy and in the end you chose happy. And that’s what matters most and that’s what your little guy will remember. That’s what you will remember 10 years from now.
Jessica recently wrote…Thrifting
You’re right – I do believe our kids can pick up on our mood and vibes. I did feel that he was doing his best to look after me, which I know may sound silly to others, but I do believe it.
I want him to remember good times with his Mama, yes, definitely.
I think we all have those kinds of days, I know I do. You captured what it’s like so well, those moments when kids can drag you out of the sad and make you really appreciate the day. : )
Julia recently wrote…Uncooperative Days
I like that term – dragging us out of the sad. Yes, that.
I’ve got that Josh Grobin song in my head as I read this. (-:
What a sweetie.
Ado recently wrote…Blog Bash Link Up!
Hah! I totally had the song in my head all the time after I wrote this post.
Oh, kids can do that, make your day turn around just be being who they are!
I’m ashamed to admit that sometimes, when I felt like that I wouldn’t go. I would trick my toddler that it wasn’t Wednesday and stayed at home..
Mirjam recently wrote…Celebration
Haha, I don’t think Monkey would have realized either way whether we went or not. But I’m glad I did, because I now know that I can handle taking him there on my own. And that he will behave for me.
Wow! that is awesome. I’m finding these days that the children lift me up on a regular basis. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for reading!
OH I simply love that children can do this to us – lift us up. And it seems to be it happens just when we need it most, they give us a boost! And it makes all the difficult times somehow more manageable.
Mamamzungu recently wrote…Searching for Mama’s Eyes
They just have really good timing, these kids
A hug or an unexpected ‘I love you mommy’ from my children that is really all I need to get back on my feet after a though day.
I love those hugs. LOVE.
Awww. I was already sniffing because our pollen counts are horrendous, but now I have a sweeter reason. This is just lovely.
Maybe you taught your little monkey an unexpected lesson: that Mommies can feel down, too, and that he has the power to make a person feel better. That’s a pretty powerful lesson to learn.
Trish recently wrote…The Dig
Trish, I do hope that he did pick that up. Even at his age.
(sorry about the allergies!)
I loved this! Made me want to go hug my boys! They can be so challenging but then it only takes one moment of cuteness to remind me why I do it =)
Danielle recently wrote…Fun at the Playground
Those moments make the hard, easy.
I so love this post! Thank goodness there are moments like this. Sometimes they don’t feel like they come often enough so stay totally sane but are worth the trouble right?! I really like that you described it as “heaviness” because that is what it feels like. Almost like having a heavy heart but really I think it is just the heaviness of life weighing us down. Children have a way of reversing that when they want to. Enjoy the quiet moments
Thank you Amanda! Yes, the heaviness is just as you describe it. And kids have such power to make things a lot lighter.
Those days are hard, I think we all have them. But kids, they just know what to do to bring us out of that funk. Glad your son was able to lift you up. With another one on the way, these moments with your son will be so precious.
KalleyC recently wrote…Remove Your Shoes Please
Yes, absolutely. I’m taking it all in while we still have exclusive one-on-one time.
Kids are special in their power to lift us up like that.
Jess recently wrote…Who Do I Have To Bribe For 2 More Hours?
They do. And may they continue to do so!
Those days when they exceed expectations, when they are more fun than work are so great. You capture so nicely also how those days are laced with a bittersweet feeling because you understand that this means they are growing up. Which is both great and sad. My daughter just reached a point where she is really really fun to be with and I finally understand what parents mean when they say they wish they could freeze time.
Christine recently wrote…Brave
Oh to freeze time. I look back constantly on photos and videos of when he was a baby, and then as an almost-toddler and now, and always, a bittersweet feeling envelops me. But such is parenting, isn’t it?
It seems on days I am at my worst… my children are at their BEST! It’s like they can sense when we just don’t have much left in the tank & then they fill it up again!
Kate recently wrote…Little Flower Turns 1 year old
Yes, exactly like that!
They are always throwing us curve balls. What a sweet boy…enjoy these moments mama!
Natalie recently wrote…A Challenging and Fun Age-Is That Even Possible?
Believe me, I so am
oh Monkey, thank you for making your mommy feel so loved, thank you for behaving and knowing that she needed YOU this time instead of the other way around.
Alison, because of the Fibro many, many Saturdays start like this for me….where I am just incapable of the “Stuff” I need to do and like Monkey did for you, my sons find a way to push me out of bed, they find a way to plant a kiss on me in the right spot so it hits my hairline and my heart.
THANK you for sharing it with us. It was LOVE in its highest form. xxooxo
Kir recently wrote…RemembeRED: The Power of the Internet
We hit the jackpot with our boys, didn’t we?
And yes, love in the highest form. Absolutely.
Those days are the best. I love when my daughter makes me feel new and fresh when I’m feeling low.
Jaime recently wrote…You Give Me Fever
Yes, it’s a sense of renewal, definitely.
Lovely story. And it’s such a gift when those days come. I’m naturally slow in the morning (my body clock would be much happier partying all night then waking up at 6:00 am) so my kids pretty much have to giggle me out of myself most every morning
Alexis recently wrote…The Sleep Scandal of 2012
That’s adorable – giggling you out of bed
I love those unexpected moments and days like that. They usually happen when I need them most, but am expecting the worst. Kids certainly have a special way of lifting us up.
May we both have many more such moments!!
Aw, that’s beautiful! I’ve had those days too. Who hasn’t? And the best thing is that our children can forget our grumpiness so quickly and be ready to kiss and play and make our day.
Bonnie Way recently wrote…A Blogoversary Party!
They really are very forgiving, aren’t they?
Kids are amazing. I’m constantly in awe of their ability to forgive and not hold a grudge when I’m an absolute bear. I suppose I could learn a few things . . .
Amy ~ Eat. Live. Laugh. Shop. recently wrote…Lesley Evers Giveaway!
I think we as mothers, definitely have a lot to learn from our kids
So sweet! I love when kids surprise you in a good way.
Miranda recently wrote…Connecting in the Blogging Community
Me too! We need more days like those for sure
I really love your writing, you speak to the fears, frustrations and realities that us moms face everyday. I feel like you get me. And you always make me stop, regroup and just love my little ones.
Andi Brown recently wrote…Featured Photo Friday | Olives in Tuscany
Andi, that is such a nice, generous thing to say. Thank you so much.
absolutely perfect. he sounds like such a doll.
christina recently wrote…Favorite post
Oh he absolutely is. But I could be biased, hehe.
So, so sweet. That is all.
Julia recently wrote…Reflection and an Anniversary
Aw, thanks Julia. xo
So sweet. I love the snippets of time you preserve on your blog. Because they just won’t stop growing.
Ellen
Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms recently wrote…The Big Picture: Top Ten Things That Would Make Our Life Easier
You know, this is why I will continue to blog!
What a positively touching story you just shared. It is amazing what our little ones can do to lift us up and change our entire day. There is something about their enthusiasm and free-spirited playing that is contageous.
David Wiley recently wrote…Reject This
Thank you David!
Oh, time flies WAY too fast. I am working hard at enjoying the present… but it is occassionally easier said then done.
Kate F. recently wrote…Maintaining Friendships as a Mother
I know, it is!! At least we’re trying, right?
Every time i read your blog i promise myself to spend some more time with my children!! Thank you !
nikky44 recently wrote…HIT ME, Please….
Thank you Nikky. It means so much to me that my writing touches you.
That was beautiful Alison. I’ve had too many of those heavy days myself.
Delilah recently wrote…So What?
Thank you Delilah. May your days be lighter. xo
I say all the time that my kid saved me. We’re lucky to have our monkeys, that’s for sure.
On another note, I really admire the vulnerability in your writing since you’ve been carrying this new lil’ guy. I may have said that before, but my brain, it doesn’t work like it used to.
Julie recently wrote…Anecdotes from the Swamp, Part I
Oh yes, he’s definitely saved my life, in so many ways.
And thank you! Pregnancy hormones really bring out a side of us we didn’t expect, doesn’t it?
Awww, very sweet. You have such a strong connection with your baby.
Mayor Gia recently wrote…Dear Coworkers, Stop Sucking.
I do and I love it!
They’re pretty good, aren’t they? I’m so glad we have them.
KLZ recently wrote…Daylight Saving Time and the Poopacalypse
Oh yes, so very glad.
I love this. I love those moments where you just SEE how wonderful your child really is. Even though you know it all the time in your heart but some days it’s just harder to see for whatever reason.
Michelle Longo recently wrote…Sunday Breakfast.
Yes, exactly!! We really need to see them as they are more often, shouldn’t we?
Oh my goodness! What our kids can do to us without us saying a word. There is a connection that can never be broken. It is heart to heart strong!
Kristen recently wrote…Pausing Life for A Moment with JDaniel4′S Mom
Oh I love that phrase – heart to heart strong!
That sounds like a wonderful morning for the two of you. I’m so glad. I know how hard it is to be patent and cheerful when you are pregnant, how tired and pulled upon you can feel. Enjoy these times!
I am. It’s also bittersweet because out exclusive one-on-one time is coming to an end. *sniff*
It’s amazing sometimes how much our children can teach us. That always sounded silly to me before I had kids, but it really does ring true. What an amazing day, and a perfect memory! <3
Ashley {at} My Front Porch Swing recently wrote…Taking a break from “busy”
It was just that – perfect.
It’s those days, when I have the worst expectations of how things will go, that my kids surprise me. This is awfully sweet, Alison.
Greta recently wrote…Great Expectations: Aimee Jones
Aw, thank you Greta.
Beautiful! I love those days with my boy
Practical Parenting recently wrote…Just Breathe
Yay for those days!
Awww… such a wonderful post. It makes motherhood beautiful
jamie recently wrote…World Vision Malaysia Child Sponsorship
That’s what our kids do. They make us better. Heaven knows mine have brought out the best in me–I don’t even know who or what I would be without them.
Great post and thanks for sharing.
Janice recently wrote…One of the Cool Kids
Thank you Janice. I do believe I’m a better person because of my son.
–You. Lift. Me. Up. Mama.
What an enlightening, beautiful post.
Xx Kisses from MN.
My Inner Chick recently wrote…Dirty Girl Comes Clean
Hugs and kisses from Monkey and I!!
Sometimes live just seems to get the better of us. It’s in those moments that our little ones have a habit of reminding us what’s important and why we do what we do!!!
Susi recently wrote…Shadow People
Yes, exactly that, Susi!
I just love when they have the ability to do that. It is so humbling as a parent.
angela recently wrote…Celebrating with Memories
It is truly humbling.
Love this, there are many days that my kids pull me out of bed and keep me going. And now that Josh Groban song is in my head.
Jessica recently wrote…The Luxurious Life of a Work At Home Mom
Haha! I STILL have the song in my head
You do such a great job here of capturing one of the ordinary/extraordinary moments of life with a toddler. And goodness knows we sometimes need them to pick us up as often as they need us to pick them up. Thanks for sharing your special moment with us.
Kristen recently wrote…A Wake Up Call
Thank you for reading, Kristen. And you’re right, we need them to lift us as much as we do, them.
Love it, move it/ This lifts me up too!
Jennie, I’m so glad!
Can you HEAR me smiling all the way from California?
Because I am.
Loudly.
julie gardner recently wrote…Today call me wondering
Can you feel me hugging you all the way from Malaysia?
Because I am.
Hard.
This is well done. You capture this feeling, regretful yet hopeful, so well. I can relate and have had many moments pass by as I pout, am grumpy, or pretty much want to be in bed. But, we are human. And we are blessed to have our children who remind us how to live in the moment.
Sperk* (Kimberly S.) recently wrote…Ten Make it Easier
Thank you Kimberly! And yes, we are blessed indeed.
Love it, Alison. And it’s wonderful to at least recognize those moments and what’s happening. I had a really long stressful day yesterday, and I know I wasn’t as present with my family as I should have been in the evening. I just wanted to be done with the day and relax without being bothered for a bit. But I felt bad about it. And then I was annoyed when we went up to bed because the baby woke up for some reason. My husband brought him into our bed, and he cuddled with me right away and wrapped his arm around my neck for a close cuddle for the first time ever, and it just felt perfect. I felt loved and needed – and relaxed. So I gave in and went to sleep with him
Katie E recently wrote…Random Wednesday #iPPP
Sometimes, we just have to give in. Those are the best, unexpected moments.
Isn’t it wonderful how toddlers have that incredible ability to make everything better? Beautiful post.
Heather recently wrote…Quick Recap.
Thank you Heather!
what a lovely post! I love those times too when my kids uplift me. It’s just the best when it’s unexpected. Your son sounds like such a sweetie.
Oh he is, he is.
What a great moment for you both!
Missy recently wrote…Fitting In
That is so sweet! You are right in that there is only a little time on Earth for giggles & cuddles like that. So happy you don’t have to miss them!
Kelley recently wrote…Finding the Funny…on my road trip to Florida
I’m very lucky I get to be there for all those moments.
Aww, totally lovely moment of motherhood.
I can’t imagine going to toddler gym by myself these days, much less as far along as you are! So happy that you were able to turn a grumpy morning into a fantastic day! (Plus…yay that Monkey’s starting to join in and have fun!)
Leslie recently wrote…{Etsy Finds} Sweet Easter Treats!
Yes, he’s starting to like gym class, yay! I actually don’t mind going with him after that session, and I consider it my workout
Completely LOVE this! So sweet.
Just Jennifer recently wrote…Questions
Thank you Jen! It was a sweet moment.
I love this, so sweet! One day, my son told me he didn’t want me to be mad at him because I was his best friend. I felt so bad. If only they knew how much they lift their mamas up.
Aw, what a sweet, sweet thing to say!
oh, YAY for this, i feel the same way SO often (and i’m not pregnant, either!). i love the closeness you share with your son and those fleeting moments and memories… ahhhh. thank you!
Susan recently wrote…Hidden Places
Thank YOU for reading! I love that we’re close, that’s my privilege and blessing to be a SAHM by choice.
so sweet….we all need a lift sometimes!
Robbie recently wrote…I’m BAAAAAACK
What an absolutely lovely lift. Lovely.
Galit Breen recently wrote…I Didn’t Know
Oh Alison BEAUTIFUL!!! So well-written. And yes, our babies are amazing. He’ll continue to do that, you know. Even when he’s old enough to not want a kiss goodbye in front of the school he’ll surprise you.
And lift you up.
Kim Pugliano recently wrote…Comment on Let Me Tell You a Little About me by Kimberly Pugliano
Oh Kim, I sure hope so, I would hate for those moments to end just because they’re big boys
My son saves me every single day.
Beautiful alison.
Kimberly recently wrote…Feelings And Flowers
Thank goodness for our boys. xo
STOP MAKING ME CRY!!!! No, but seriously, this was beautiful. I’m going to get off the computer now and go cuddle.
Aubrey Anne recently wrote…My Soap Box, or: Yes, I’m a fanatic, but you should still listen to me.
I love that my words make you feel that, seriously. Thank you.
Thank you for reminding me that the moments we are lifted are worth so much more than those in which we are held down. Gorgeous story!
Kristin recently wrote…Black Bubble Jacket Birthday
You summed it up so succinctly – thank you!
It’s like they have that sense, right? Knowing when we need those extra bits to get us going, to get us up and happy. Sounds like Monkey was exactly what you needed.
Jackie recently wrote…Pride
He is, every day, he is.
Don’t feel guilty for feeling the way you did when you woke up. You’re human. We all have days like that. And you’re a GREAT mom! I’m glad your monkey lifted you up and you ended up having a good day.
Sarcasm Goddess recently wrote…You Googled What? – The Bizarre and Not-So-Profound Edition
Thank you my friend!
and THAT is why we have more than one kid, right there. because those days are so lovely and amazing, we think…yeah, another one will be great.
and it is, because then when #1 can’t do the spiritual lifting, #2 (or 3 or 4 or…) can.
lovely.
deborah l quinn recently wrote…vacation? family trip? yes.
Haha, yes, that’s right Deborah!! I think for now, I’ll stop at #2
What sweet moments!
My kids can drag me out of a funk easier than anything else.
Shell recently wrote…Pour Your Heart Out: It’s Not All Doom and Gloom
Your kids are adorable, that’s no surprise
I love days like that. They start out awful and those little Dudes brighten it so quickly and effortlessly.
Perhaps if he had better music to listen, he would have cheered you up sooner
Jay- The Dude of the House recently wrote…Pop Tart French Toast Soufflé
Haha yes! Playing “Down by the Station” on repeat is driving me nuts anyway
Yes…this is perfect. I have had many of these mornings/afternoons/evenings like these.
Runnermom-jen recently wrote…Learning to Ride
Our children really do save us, don’t they?
Oh so sweet. Loved that story. Savor it yes, because it is fleeting. On the other hand, you soon will have another little one who lift you up in a different way, and that is comforting too.
francerants recently wrote…Just Give Me My Damn Coffee Already
Our children are everything!
Best line (and saddest too?): “…these moments are fleeting and the growing up never stops, and the occasional heaviness I feel robs me of what little time we have on this Earth to just be kisses and giggles and cuddles.”
There is nothing better than kisses, giggles and cuddles.
Tonya recently wrote…Golden Slumbers