Motherhood 2014

What my season of motherhood looks like right now:

Middle of the night bad-dream wakings and resetlings.

Hushing 3am renditions of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star at the top of ones 2year old lungs.

Cold weetbix and coffee.

Cold anything that was previously prepared hot.

Piles upon piles of book readings, colouring in pages and pretend cups of tea.

Convincing little people to go to the toilet.

Wiping up someone else's wees after you weren't listened to.

Washing. Endless washing. 

Endless food prep.

And dishes.

Leaving the bathroom door open because I know I will be joined while doing my business. 

Showering naked in front of a watchful and interested audience.

Endless teaching on feelings, kindness and consideration (all the stuff good adults are made out of)

Demands for hot water bottles and teddy friends to be in the right order and kissed goodnight.

Screaming and singing.

But also,

Warm snuggles.

Sing songs and dance parties.

Giggles and laughter.

Endless pretend cups of tea.

A toddler who wants to read her bible every morning, and asks to read about "the princesses and the crosses" (Moses and Jesus).

6pm bedtimes and the whole night available for all that washing and those dishes and husband time.

After dinner and bath satisfaction.

Playgrounds and play dates.

Seeing my two girls bond and connect, as they grow more confident with each other and the world around them.

Hearing my nearly 3 year old repeat phrases we use in everyday conversation, oh hilarity!

A quiet toddler who can busy herself when mum needs a rest. 

Relying on God each day, and seeing Him come through.

Loving friends who are going through all of this in their own homes, but meet together anyway to talk about it all and then forget it to focus on the much more interesting things in our lives.

Spontaneous "I love you" and "you're the best".

Wonder and excitement over a younger sibling learning something new before our very eyes.

Ahh, life is bittersweet.

(Photos taken this morning by Milla)