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bedtime routine

by Shawni

Every once in a while I take Claire and Lucy to the bathroom before I go to bed (when I know they’ve had a bunch to drink before bed). Each time I have to do that dreaded duty (because I am SO darn tired by the time I finally head up to bed at night) I start out grumpy. But I remind myself it’s better than the alternative: getting up to change sheets in the middle of the night.

I pick up Lucy first, who’s getting so heavy to lug to the toilet. But something about her softness as she drapes over my shoulder like a giant rag doll digs into my heart and makes me love her even more than ever. Then I go to Claire. She is far from snuggly, her bones angled out as she straightens her body out like a board and looks at me in tired confusion. When I tuck her back in bed her hug lingers after I lay her down…squeezes me tight and then releases me to return gently back into dreamland.

I love things that remind me, even on the not-so-fun tasks, how blessed I am to get to be a Mother: one who does the mundane tasks but who gets rewarded far beyond them.

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15 comments

Becky M January 24, 2011 - 6:56 pm

Happy Birthday to the best example of a great mom I know!

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missy January 24, 2011 - 7:11 pm

Thanks for putting into words the things I take for granted… and for reminding me to look for the good.

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Sheila January 24, 2011 - 7:11 pm

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday! I love your blog and wonderful example of mothering. Have a wonderful day!!

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bryn January 24, 2011 - 7:29 pm

I often read your blog and rarely comment, but this sweet post was just what I needed today to remind me why I love this job so much. It really is the mundane that can touch your heart. Thank you for the lovely reminder.

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Jerry and Charlsye Miller January 24, 2011 - 9:18 pm

I just got your book "A Mother's Book of Secrets" for Christmas and I absolutely love it. I've actually decided to try one thing at a time that you've mentioned and tracking all the experiences on my blog. (starting with the boogie bag) I can already see the change it's making in my attitude and my home. Thanks for all of the great ideas. (tell your Mom thanks too!)

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cristie January 24, 2011 - 9:24 pm

you are a good woman. xox

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Grandma Honey January 24, 2011 - 10:07 pm

I quite love this post. It reminds me of a quote:

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

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Raluca January 24, 2011 - 11:38 pm

Dear Shawni,
this post is soooo sweet!
You are such a great source of inspiration for many of us.
Where does YOUR inspiration comes from?
Kisses!

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Tracey January 25, 2011 - 1:33 am

I love this post… Thank you for sharing!

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Alisa January 25, 2011 - 3:22 am

Thanks for the reminder:)

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lovinglife January 25, 2011 - 5:06 am

Happy birthday Shawni!!

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Kristin January 25, 2011 - 7:27 am

This reminded me of coming home from the zoo yesterday, when my 2 1/2 year old held on to me from her slumber in the car seat, sleepily telling me she loves me and giving me a kiss. It IS the little things, and they mean so much! BTW, I love the pictures in your header!

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Sal-utations! January 25, 2011 - 7:39 pm

I could have written that post. I have the same nightly routine and I feel the EXACT same way about it. When I sneak in there and take him out of his bed I always think of that sweet book Love You Forever where the mom scoops that sweet sleeping boy up.

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Eyrealm January 26, 2011 - 6:29 am

I think that we should get double points for doing those hard things when you think you can't do one more thing….because we get double rewards from that hug!

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mmmgleisner January 27, 2011 - 5:14 am

my 14 year old boy crawled into bed with me at 3 am with growing pains – he needed me to massage the pain away – he also is already 4 inches taller than me – but it was such a treasure to be woke up by him again – hold on to the moments – they get fewer and fewer!!

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