Finally sitting beside her, I asked, “what do you want to talk about baby?” She smiled and said, “nothing Mommy, I just want you to be with me because I love you.”

I’m done with my breakfast, Josh went to school, Honey was on his way to the office, and my two younger boys were still sleeping. I’m supposed to do the dishes so I could get an early start with my to dos.  My day was just about to begin and I was thinking of the time I could save if I get on with cleaning the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink right away.  I won’t have any problem with the boys having their breakfast late because they know how to clean up. 

My big baby –  my little four year old princess just woke up.  I hurriedly set her meal on the dining table and told her to finish on her own so I could do my thing.  But no, she asked me to be with her while she eats.

“Mommy, can you stay with me while I’m eating?” a pleading tone begged me to sit beside her.  I was thinking of cleaning the dishes as soon as possible.  That way, I would be able to clean the bedroom, then workout a little, then wash her plate when she’s done, then take a bath with her, then start homeschooling them early…..

If I would stay with her, it would take thirty minutes to one hour just sitting there listening to her talk and watching her eat.  I wouldn’t be able to save time.  What am I to do?  For a few minutes, I just stared at her and took a deep breath.

My OC nature needs to get things done as soon as possible but I couldn’t just dismiss her pleading. Time to practice what I preach to my friends.  I have to get big on relationships and something tells me that moments like these should be cherished.  I didn’t want to look at my distant future wishing I should’ve spent more time with my baby girl than doing never-ending chores.

The most important thing  I could give my children is my time.  I have to remind myself that being with them 24/7 is not necessarily spending time with them.  They need to be listened to, not once but all the time.  And besides, the dishes won’t go away anyway.

Finally sitting beside her, I asked, “what do you want to talk about baby?” She smiled and said, “nothing Mommy, I just want you to be with me because I love you.”

Teary eyed, I suddenly felt the warmth in my heart.  I carried her to my lap, “I love you too little princess, more than you’ll ever know.” 

I closed my eyes and sniffed her hair.  I smelled milk.  Never mind the time, I wanted to be engaged in the moment where I – her mom is still her whole world.

The dishes can wait!