This morning, as with most Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I got up a little after 6 and got ready for work on tiptoes so as not to wake anyone. I was out the door by 7:20, commuted in the rain, pushed through 9 hours of work, commuted home, and then when I pulled into the driveway, the kids were in my car before I could even get out of it. At which point we were off to the races…

Some evenings are hectic. Even when we follow a nice predictable routine, and even on the days when I work in Carlsbad and don’t get home in time for the whole thing.

Tonight though, I was present for most of it and Joe and I stuffed several things into a couple short hours including dinner, showers, dishes, lunch prep, coloring, a little whining and fighting, a dog walk, multiple water spills, toothbrushing, reading and finally lights out.

I laid with Demi and Joe laid with Cam.

I was relieved to be taking a pause.

As Demi started to settle, she laid her head on my chest and said “Mommy happy”… it was halfway between a question and a statement.

I answered her, “Yes baby, you know why? Because I love you and we had a good night and now I get to cuddle with you.”

She then said, this time distinctly as a statement, “me happy too.”

And added, “brother happy too.”

What a way to end the day, with a little perspective from my almost two year old. She melted me and helped me forget the hustle and nonsense of the day while I happily, contentedly listened to her drift off to sleep.