Counting Blessings

2am....

T2 is lying on top of my chest with an ear infection. He can't sleep laying down because his ears hurt. After administering his medicine, I instinctively prop all of the pillows behind my head and let him fall asleep on me so his head is elevated. I hold my palm against the offending ear, applying pressure, so it stops throbbing and he finally stops crying and falls asleep.

It's quiet. His heart is beating against my chest. I think about my baby. He will be two next week. He's the stubborn, headstrong one. Good natured and sweet but determined and tough.

My oldest is a star. Something about him lights up the room when he walks in. He commands attention. Loves to joke around, loves people, loves the spotlight. Aries. Fire.

But my baby is a different type of child. He is quieter, more introspective. Loves his big brother. He is content to follow him around all day. He lets the older one shine and cracks up at all of his antics. But he doesn't let the older one push him around. He stands up for himself. If T1 tries to take his toys, he will say "NO" and fight him for it. This baby is one tough little cookie. Taurus. Earth.

As he lays on my chest, I think about the type of man he will be one day. I hope that I am here to enjoy the whole thing. This strong little baby will one day be a man.

As he snuggles in and starts snoring, I get up and put him back in his crib.

I kiss his older brother on his head and cover his feet sticking out from under the blanket.

I pause to take in this moment. The quiet when they are all sweet and vulnerable. I am sure I feel what mama birds feel when they have fed all of the birds and they are all asleep in the nest....contentment and peace.

Everyday there are blessings all around me despite whatever forces try to bring me down. Tonight, I am stopping to embrace mine before I miss it.