There’s something about bedtime lately that just fills my heart with the most and best kind of happiness. Maven is at this age and stage where she can really reflect on her day, and our little bedtime chats are just the sweetest.

It usually starts with Maven asking, “Mom, you want to lay with me for a minute?” To which I reply either “Of course!” or “Just ONE minute.” Because mommas, some days by that time of night, I just want her to go.to.sleep. But, as soon as I snuggle in next to her and she turns toward me, wraps her little arm around my neck and kisses my lips, everything in the world is good.

I ask her every night about her day, what she thought about, what she had fun doing and what the very best part was. The best part answer always varies, because she really takes time to think about it. Sometimes it’s a person, sometimes it’s an activity, and sometimes she just tries to be silly and tell me an absurd answer just to get me to laugh. She gets so playful and silly after our day’s reflection. It’s like we finally have time, one-on-one, to just be with each other. Amidst the chatting and giggling, she kisses me over and over, and I do exactly the same. I can’t get enough of those sweet cheeks, or those rosey red lips that are so perfect. {She got those from her daddy!}  At this point I usually tell her we need to say our prayers before she goes to sleep, to which she replies, “Okay mom, but will you lay with me for one more minute?”

She repeats after me as we pray and lists everyone and everything she is thankful for. Sometimes it takes a while, but every time it melts my heart. Her sweet spoken words show me just how open, gracious, happy, playful and innocent she is. Even though she is only two years old, I can’t help but admire her for the way she looks at the world. This time of day with her shows me so much about that little heart and soul — How she takes everything in, all the while growing into a beautiful, smart, funny, unique and expressive young girl. It’s in these last moments of the day, when we are winding down from the hustle of our daily schedule and bustling routines, that I just try to soak her in. Leave all the distractions at the door and focus on my relationship with her and her little being {that is growing up far too fast}. I soak in her words, her smell, her soft skin, her snuggles, her giggles, her insights and her love.

“Tuck me tight.” I tuck her covers up under her chin and make sure her toes are covered. Peppa, baby, puppy, birdie and blankey must all be in their places. And then we sing. Her big beautiful eyes lock with mine. Sometimes she sings along and other times she quietly listens. I actually dislike singing in front of other people, for whatever reason, but I am so open and vulnerable with her. And her little self just takes me for exactly the way I am. It truly makes me realize just how long and deep and far and wide my love is for my children.

“Two more minutes, mom.” I tuck her in tighter, give her more kisses and tell her sweet dreams. I make sure the fan is on and she kindly reminds me to leave the door open. I kiss her again and again and make my way toward the door. She usually stops me to ask about the next day – whether she can help Dad make a shake in the morning, if we can play something in particular, or even if she can have a popsicle after tomorrow’s nap ?. I answer accordingly and say my final goodnight.

As I leave her room and that time with her, I can’t help but feel a sense of joy that is almost too good for words. She fills my heart in a way that is quite unexplainable. Though I may not be able to perfectly explain it, I can say the feeling eludes:

“It is well with my soul.”

Sweet dreams and sleep tight Miss Maven. Mommy loves you so.

❤️

Disclosure: Bedtime isn’t always a quick or easy process. And I don’t always do it, but I do it as much as I can. We usually ask Maven who she wants to put her to bed, and I secretly love that it’s most often me. Maven has been doing such a great job going to bed on her own {because in all honesty, we rocked her to sleep or close to sleep for quite a long time}. But, she’ll often call Mom or Dad back into her room a couple of times before she actually settles in for the night. Lately, I end my nighttime routine with her and she asks if I can send Dad in to give her a kiss and hug. She asks him a few silly questions about the next morning or next day and makes sure he leaves her door open too. Boy, do we love her.