I want to remember

Yesterday morning Matthew woke up around 5:15 am from sleeping in his crib. It was way to early to start the day so I scooped him up, grabbed his paci and we headed to the couch together. We do this a lot, because Matthew goes right back to sleep when we are together, and it allows Luke to get his much needed rest in bed. Anyway, there we were just snuggling and sleeping, when I woke up to the sound of rain on the window. It was so pleasant and soothing. So I just layed there for a little while, holding my new son who was sleeping so sweetly and so soundly, listening to the rain, everyone else in the house was quiet and sleeping. It was a very special moment for me, I realized that the Lord has truly given me the things I most desire in life, a family to love and the ability to love them.

So we slept there for a couple of hours until I heard Mandie start to stir around 7-something. When I heard her, I put sleeping Matthew in his swing and went in to get Mandie. I scooped up my sweet little girl and carried her back to the warm couch by the window and snuggled with her for a good half an hour. It was a wonderful morning with my babies. The perfect start to a rainy day!

I want to remember what it feels like to hold my little ones while they are so little, and to feel there little legs squirming around under the blanket in their effort to find a good sleeping position. I want to remember Mandie's little hand searching my tummy so she can put her little finger in my belly button while she sucks on her thumb. I want to remember Matthew laying on my arm, with his head looking up right at my face, but his eyes resting . . . gently closed. I want to remember the newness of the feeling of responsibility and deep, deep love for these new little people. I want to remember watching Mandie talk, and listening so so hard to her, but still really having no idea what on earth she is talking about. But somehow, she feels heard. I want to remember Mandie grabbing my hand and placing it on her cheek because she is tired and she has seen me put my hand on Matthew's cheek when he is tired. I want to remember Mandie saying "hode him, hode him Mommy" when she picks up a burp rag and carefully places it over her shoulder so she can attempt to burp her little brother. I want to remember Mandie's head cock to the side as she says, "Peeese???" whenever she wants whatever she wants. And I want to remember the sound of her little footprints echoing along the floor as she gallops and hops and runs through the house. These are things I don't want to forget.

Thank you Lord for my little babes. Thank you that they are made in your image. Thank you that you use them every day to teach me about my relationship with you. Thank you for being so patient with me Father. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!