Sunday Sweetness to Beat the Monday Madness

It’s Monday. I’m not a big fan of Mondays, but I always find a way to manage and muddle through it. And today, I have something sweet to think about when I start feeling the Monday blues…

Last night, the hubby, the baby and I went shopping at Kohl’s. I was excited that I found a pair of Dockers pants (on clearance for eleven dollars), a gorgeous pale green sweater (also on clearance, for seven dollars) and a pretty Chaps skirt (you guessed it—also on clearance, for I think eighteen dollars). The little one got a pair of flannel pajamas decorated with The Wiggles car and the hubby got a hilarious t-shirt and a dressy gray sweater. It was a fun shopping trip.

Afterward, we went out for dinner, which is a rare treat for us. We got cozy in a booth at Applebee’s and while we were eating, for just a moment, it was like time had stopped. My little girl didn’t want to sit in her booster seat, so she was curled on her daddy’s lap, happily munching on fries. She only gets fries when we go out—which is maybe about every other month—so she was delighted beyond belief. I handed her half of my cheese quesadilla, and as I sat looking at her, one fist grasping a fry and the other clutching the quesadilla, her big brown eyes turned up at me and she sang out, “I love you, mommy!” Her tiny feet were banging as she kicked the underneath of the table and the smile that beamed from her little round face lit up the restaurant.

Other restaurant patrons couldn’t help but hear her declaration and there were faint murmurs of “Awwww,” “How sweet,” and “She’s so cute!” For the briefest of moments, a lump formed in my throat and unbidden tears sprang into my eyes. It was a perfect moment and despite the Sunday night hubbub of the restaurant, all I saw was my daughter and my husband. But for a twist of fate and the hand of God, this perfect child may not have ever existed. No more than dust particles in this universe, two people managed to come together and create a being totally separate and completely part of each. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever be able to explain to her the wonder and amazement that comes with bringing a child into the world.

I don’t remember the rest of the meal. I don’t remember the drive home. I was awash in the glow of my own happiness. My own contentment. What a beautiful way to start the week.