This will likely be a slightly emotionally charged post. If you're one of those people who is only interested in baby antics and not the dramatic ramblings of a sleep-deprived new mother, you may want to stop reading now.
(Cue violin music...here).
When Maddie was born, we were given a CD by one of my mom's co-workers of what are essentially lullabies. The CD is structured so that it starts off a little more lively, then lulls baby to sleep as each consecutive track gets slower and softer. I thought, oh, that's cute, and put it away with a bunch of other baby gifts deemed, "We're probably never going to use this, but whatevs. It was FREE." Well, Maddie is constantly changing and growing, and something that worked to put her to sleep last week now has no effect on her. So, while putting away yet another mega-haul of garage sale clothes, I found this CD. Again, laid it aside. Until today.
We've recently discovered that Maddie really likes music. I don't think this is too surprising to too many people, considering her parents and what we do for a living/hobby. Tonight my parents took us to Applebee's, and as we were sitting right under a speaker blaring, "Love Fool" by the Cardigans, I look over at Maddie's car seat, and she's asleep. Not just kind of asleep, but unconscious. And she stayed this way for the entire meal. So, we got home, and when it came to be time to put her down for the night, I thought, oh hell. Let's give this CD a whirl. Not even 2 minutes into the first song, she was asleep.
As I rocked my sleeping daughter, I began to stare at her little face. I studied it, all of the little eyelashes, the way her forehead wrinkles, even her silly little cowlick. And it made me cry. Okay, I should be more specific. The cowlick didn't make me cry. The realization that she's not going to stay little like this for much longer, that someday, she won't need to be rocked, we won't need a CD of lullabies, made me a little emotional. And while I will be grateful for a night where I can have 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep, for now, I will cherish these moments when I know she needs me...even if it means getting up at 2am to listen to sappy lullabies. Jay and I are so blessed to have such a beautiful, perfect, healthy baby.
Speaking of baby...she's awake again. Off I go...
Awww... so sweet - music is still a big hit with Sarah. Wait until Maddie starts singing herself. Sarah loves to make music on her xylophone I found for her at a garage sale. BTW - We need to set up a play date this summer!
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