appreciating the little things

So, I know breastfeeding boosts the immune system of babies, but I am beginning to wonder if it does the same for moms.  Ever since Liam weaned himself about a month ago I have been fighting one illness after another.  Today was miserable and the bright spot was when Phil came home from work and took Liam to Costco so I could sleep in peace.  When they returned Liam came walking across the living room to me holding a giant bouquet of flowers that was literally taller than him, and presented it to me with the hugest, proudest smile.  That really made my day.  Back when I would dream about having a son, the two images I pictured were 1) My husband and my son laying together under the kitchen sink fixing something together – which they did when our faucet broke last fall; and 2) My little boy bringing me flowers.  I admit I did tear up a bit. 

I am so thankful for this little guy who brings me joy and makes me laugh every day.  Lately our lives have been pretty crazy with Phil working overtime plus taking night classes and me working every moment Liam is asleep to plan a big event I have coming up.  But when that boy does something that brings a smile to our faces it is all worth it. 

I’ve learned to take time when I can to do fun things with him, even when work is piling up.  The other day I put on my apron to make an apple pie and Liam insisted on putting on his apron and helping me.  I love that he is starting to be able to actually “help.”  I let him turn the crank on the apple peeler and then sprinkle the cinnamon on.  I can tell we are going to have fun cooking together.

We have also started a new Monday night activity to help pass the time while Phil is at class and it’s too dark and cold to play outside.  Since I don’t have any way of going to yoga by myself right now, I was thrilled to discover that the Seattle Holistic Center offers “Family Hatha Yoga” on Mondays.  Basically the parents do yoga while the kids run around and the instructor (who is a mom herself) makes sure nobody jumps off the radiator while our eyes are closed in shavasana.  Not entirely relaxing but I’ll take what I can get!  Liam thinks it’s great and he loves when we do downward-facing-dog and he crouches down to say “hi” to all the upside down mommies.  I guess we do look pretty hilarious to a toddler.