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Love is all you need

It's my love for my children that drives me to keep going sometimes. For example:

 

Last night it was bedtime for my little boys. It's been an extremely busy week and the baby has decided not to eat anything but mammas milk anymore which means he is now waking up 1-2 times a night to nurse. So I was VERY tired.

I wanted to just say goodnight, turn out the light and walk out. Then I thought, they need to go potty, everybody out of bed. While one was on the potty I remembered that they need to brush their teeth. I did not want to brush their teeth. So tired! It's only their baby teeth, they're going to fall out anyway.

Then I looked at their little faces, remembered how much I love them and then brushed their teeth. I remembered how much I loved them and I took my time tucking them in, giving lots of hugs and kisses. I decided that in about 18 years when my kids are out of the house I can get as much sleep as I want. For now, while they're here and they want them, I will take as much time as I can taking care of them, loving on them. Giving the hugs and kisses until they're covered in my spit! 

Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 11:09AM by Registered CommenterSheryl Bane | Comments17 Comments | References1 Reference

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Reader Comments (17)

Oh, this was me yesterday. On SUCH little sleep from myself having a headache then finally falling asleep only to wake up to nurse baby and then fall asleep to then wake up to Noah having a sore throat and needing water... yesterday was rough and I just wanted to lay down for a little bit. Carter wanted me to read him a story. How could I refuse this sweet child? So we read Jeremy Fisher and I was refreshed and blessed that I did it. Love... the more you give the more you receive... xoxo
March 22, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAdventures In Babywearing
This is so true. The baby's been sick and it's been completely draining. I just wanted to literally throw them into bed last night and walk out. But I too realized the need to slow down, sit still and spend time. Such a hard lesson for me to learn when I'm exhausted, but like Steph said...I always feel blessed after having done it.
March 22, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterHappi
Between my 3 boys, I never get a full night's sleep anymore. I'm.so.tired.

But I tell myself what you said, "I'll sleep in 18 years." I'm finally learning to be okay with just a little sleep...it helps to know it's not just me! :)

Hope they had mercy on you and you got some good rest!
March 22, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAlli
I had to chuckle when I read everyone's responses. My son will be 18 in two months and I STILL don't get enough sleep! (Ok, so I don't have to get up in the night to feed him, but there are other issues"). Not complaining, I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything! Maybe I'll sleep when I'm 80! I find Grandma "napping" throughout the day!! I FINALLY understand that - she's catching up!
March 22, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAunt Debbie
Ha- maybe that's why old people sleep so much! They are catching up on all that missed sleep. And I keep thinking about how late I'd stay out back in my college days and before kids, pulling all-nighters on purpose! What was I thinking?

Steph
March 22, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAdventures In Babywearing
I'm still worn out from last week. It makes such a difference when they're all sleeping through the night!
March 22, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterBeck
Oh, so very true. When we feel we can go on, we managed to pull thru and let the blessings flow!!
March 22, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterGlass Half Full
I always try to remind myself at dinner, when I've been up and down 8 times, when everyone else is done eating and my food is cold, when the baby wakes up and wants to nurse just as I'm putting dinner on the table...that one day there isn't going to be any child at my table who needs more to drink. There isn't going to be toys to pick up at the end of the day. There is only going to be 2 loads of laundry a week instead of a day. The good and the bad...I just want to soak it all in.
March 23, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterLife With All Boys
As a mom of three ages 20, 17, and 13, and a step-mom of three ages 27, 25 and 22....you are so very right. Sleep will come in the years ahead... but those moments when they are oh, so little and still so dependent on us...priceless!!
March 23, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterDeena@ Wholly-Devoted
What a great post! Reminds me of the important things.

Jenn
March 23, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterJenn
How sweet! I've been lurking for a long time and have been meaning to say hello and thanks for listing me on your blog roll. I'll be back...

Tanya
March 23, 2007 | Unregistered Commentertanya@motherwearblog
I think we can all relate to the exhaustion post. As tuckered out as I am at the end of the day, one of my favorite times is snuggling in our bed before bedtime...it makes all the hard work really pay off!
March 24, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAmber
Absolutely and sleep? what's that! I occasionally find myself on the edge of frustration and then I take a deep breath and look at those little eyes...melts it all away!
March 24, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterNew Mama's Nest
I love your insight and your love. When you do these things the image of what the love of the Heavenly Father thinks about you is what you are giving them. It's so precious how you put it into words.
March 24, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterChyrl
I love it. Puts in all in perspective ya know???
March 24, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAnn
True... But I HAVE been known to skip the teeth after they're all tucked in. Go ahead. Sick the Mommy police on me now... :)
March 24, 2007 | Unregistered Commentertracey
Good post Sheryl!

The days may get long sometimes but when you look at the big picture, children are a true blessing and are worth every single moment that we endure. I can't imagine my life without my children so when I happen to stumble upon a long day, I just remind myself of the long road it took for us to get here and then I get a surge of energy to move on and enjoy the moment.
March 26, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAllie

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