Moments That Make My Heart Burst

From conversations I've had, I seem to be one of the few parents (at least among my friends) who is enamored with the newborn baby phase.  Often, I hear, "I do better when they can communicate with me."  I would argue that newborns communicate just fine, with eye contact, cries, snuggles, etc.  There is something for me about feeling the weight of the incredible gift and responsibility bestowed upon me is more than enough.

As my kids have gotten older, they clearly prefer their daddy.  And my heart hurts at little moments throughout the day because of it.  I am the parent they see much less frequently due to my job, and while that is a contributing factor, I am also less fun.  I have to remind myself that the laundry can wait, and it is okay if the house looks a mess.  My husband is more carefree than I am, and he helps me keep things in perspective.  Even still, there are lots of moments where I can't help but feel that I am the black sheep and my kids would not so much care if I was around or not.  Then there are those moments that make my heart burst.  Those times that something so beautiful happens that I can hardly contain my joy.  Here are my top ten heart bursting moments.

10.  I remain the go-to after injuries.  It is heart-breaking that they are in pain, but it is heart-bursting that they turn to me for comfort.

9.  The first voicemail I received after starting work back in the office this summer (I worked from home before that), where Bug said "Hi Ma," and Mister said "Love you.  Miss you."  It will be saved forever.

8.  Bug's face lighting up when she sees us, even now every day when I get home from work.  There is nothing more breathtaking than her face.  She radiates light.

7.  Mister being so thrilled to play in the snow that numerous times, he proclaims, "I'm excited!"  Doesn't sound like much?  The look on his face to match was more than I could handle.  I would have given him anything he wanted in that moment.

6.  Bug's sad face (particularly when she is embarrassed).  In those moments, I think to myself, "how can I love a person this much?"  I would do whatever it takes to make it better.

5.  Mister singing Happy Birthday and giving you what he deems a cake (usually a toy of some sort).  Daily.  Sometimes numerous times a day.

4.  Bug hitting Mister, me telling her to apologize and give him a hug, and Mister (while crying) leaning in for a hug and telling Bug "I love you so much."  As if he did something wrong.

3. Bug's hugs around my leg.  Usually accompanied by her saying "Aww, Mommy."

2.  Their laughter.  Every.  Single.  Time.  It could be the secret to world peace.

1.  Mister has a lovey called Blue Blanket.  It is so loved that Santa brought him a new one this year.  However, new Blue Blanket doesn't hold a candle to old Blue Blanket.  Mister bumped his head yesterday, and old Blue Blanket was in the dryer (it was darn near standing on its own).  This was, of course, a tragedy.  The rest of the day was trying, to say the least.  Then, at bedtime, Mister said to me, "Good job washing my Blue Blanket, Mommy.  Thank you for washing my Blue Blanket."  That'll last me awhile...

I would love to hear your heart-bursting moments!!  Please feel free to leave a comment!