To My Children

Dear Caden and Addison,

There are alot of things I like about being your stay-at-home-mama.  I like wearing yoga pants and t-shirts most of the time.  I like the freedom we have together.  To travel whenever we want.  To go to the store, or not, depending on how we feel.  And to play outside for a little while or all afternoon.  I like teaching you how to do things like gluing and sorting and singing.  Or taking off your jammies by yourself and putting your cups away after snack.  But what I realllllly like...  what I LOVE, is you.  

I love getting to watch you wave goodbye to your Daddy every morning and hearing you whisper, "I lub you" as he drives down our street.  I love watching you talk together, discover together and look for each other when you notice the other one is gone.  I love that I know what toys you prefer and which part of the yard is currently your favorite hangout.  

I love noticing things about you, like the fact that you've learned to cross your fingers on your left hand. 

And the way your face gets intense when you find something to play with that you really, really like.

I love your inventiveness, even when it makes me crazy.  (I myself would never even think to use the potty as a step stool to reach the radio and CD stash...  which you then handed down to Addison for unpacking.)

I love the way that every day life is an adventure for you.  The way you stared out the window for the longest time watching our neighbors' moving truck and car transporters.  

The way you stop to study fallen leaves and wiggly worms.  And the way that you squat down to get a closer look at cracks in the driveway.  I love your soft little hands and your kind little hearts.  The way you breathe when you're dreaming and the way you squeal when you're running.   See, you are the best part of my day.  Like a steak and cheese biscuit combo from Bojangles with fries, extra spice and a large sweet tea when I'm on a diet.  I love you sweetest babies.  More than my mommy uniform, my schedule or my freedoms.  Those are just perks.  But getting to spend every day with you?  That's pretty much a dream come true.  Times two.

Mama