I rocked my sweet, baby girl to sleep

I rocked my sweet, baby Scarlett to sleep tonight at 6p.m.

She’s in her third week back at daycare after summer break and we knew it was only a matter of time before she started picking stuff up. She stayed home sick yesterday after having a fever Sunday night and went back today fever free, but with an awful cough. Even though she woke up happy and smiling this morning I gave her some medicine before we left, hoping it would help her get through the day.

I received a report that she wasn’t able to sleep at all today because of her cough. I felt awful. Fortunately, she has some really awesome teachers who snuggled her and watched her closely all day. I couldn’t wait to pick her up, get her home, and put her in her comfy bed where she feels the safest.

She fussed and coughed all the way home. It was tearing at my heart! I knew she needed to be my top priority when we got home. Feed her, get her in bed.

She cried, a pitiful cry, while I rushed to put her jammies on. I laid her down in her crib so I could set up her humidifier and she started to whimper. I picked her back up and started to rock her.

She laid her head on my chest and tucked her arms into me. I started to sing our usual bedtime songs and I felt her body start to relax. It wasn’t long before her eyes closed and her breathing changed. And that’s when all the feels came over me. Scarlett has been so “on-the-go” lately that she no longer lets me hold her for long periods, let alone fall asleep on me.

I didn’t realize how much I missed moments like that until tonight. It didn’t matter that dinner wasn’t made, that I was still in my work clothes and shoes, or that Stella was downstairs whining because she realized her new backpack was still at school. 🙄 All that mattered in that moment was that my Scarlett girls’ needs were met. She was comfortable and finally getting the rest she so badly needs.

I must have sat there and rocked for at least twenty minutes, squeezing her little body every so often. I didn’t want to move her to her crib just yet, I didn’t want that sweet moment to end. But I knew I had another baby downstairs who needed me tonight too. Sometimes it can be so hard meeting each of their different needs all at the same time.

I realize the days can feel long, but the years are too short when you’re a parent. Our babies grow up way too fast and nights like tonight are sure to be missed.

❤️ I didn’t get a picture tonight but this one is one of my favorites!