lullaby prose

I pray these moments with you will settle in my heart,
that I'll never forget your soft cheeks and cheesy grins,
that these days of bathing and snuggles will settle in your heart too.

I'll remember your sweetness, your kisses,
those moments when you grab my hand
because I'm your mama.

Our souls are connected,
and have been connected
since before we were born.

"If you become a little boy and run into a house,"
said the mother bunny, "I will become your mother
and catch you in my arms and hug you."

I will never forget these years.
You are mine,
I am yours,
forever.

I'll never stop thanking Heavenly Father for sending you to us.

lullaby prose, feverish

I wrote this in my head last night at 3:00 in the morning when we were rocking together.
We haven't had these midnight snuggles lately, those cuddles that the darkest hours bring.
Maybe it's because you're growing up a little more.

I can't say that I regret the solidity of your usual nighttime sleep.
But those snuggles are hard to refuse.
I guess that what's we get when you've run a fever for two days straight.
It's hard to sleep with a fever, isn't it?

Here's to a fever-free week
And a week for your birthday.
Catch up on your rest and
We'll bounce back in no time.

Now it's time for your nap,
And I might have to join you.
Fevers make for tired babes and sleepy mamas.
And they make for the best snuggles.

lullaby prose, bedtime

Bedtime rolls around, and you splash in the tub.

Your splashes get bigger and bigger every time, I swear.

You love being naked.

We wrap you up in striped pajamas and dry that fuzzy head.

We give you raspberries on your tummy and on your ham hocks.

I nurse you and hold your tiny hand in mine.

You rub your eyes.

So sleepy. 

You snuggle into me.

We read some stories.

Goodnight to the old lady whispering "hush"

We pray. 

We pray for you and your body, for mommy and daddy.

We pray that you'll know how much you're loved.

Because you are loved. 

So, so much.

You start squirming, so into the crib you go.

You rub your face against your blanket.

Your eyes droop.

I kiss your head one more time.
I'll see you when you wake up.
Just one more kiss.

lullaby prose, for Ayla

{My dear cousin Julie and her baby girl, Ayla}

My lullaby tonight is for another babe, one who is soon to return to her Father in Heaven.
Her time was too short for those of us left here.
Our hearts ache, our tears flow,
Perhaps our minds question why.
Tonight I pray for your sweet mother,
Whose goodbyes are tender and broken.
Let angels sing sweet lullabies,
Let angels' presence fill your room with light.
My prayers tonight are with you, precious babe,
As you leave this world for a sweeter one.
Wait for your mother as she finishes her work,
For she will continue to sing you lullabies.