As moms and being a part of a family, our lives are full of schedules, routines, and to-do lists. We plan meals, appointments, and bedtime routines, often feeling like every minute of the day is accounted for. But amidst the structure and responsibility, some of the most beautiful moments in motherhood happen when we least expect them— in the giggles, the cuddles, and the bedtime stories.
The Magic of Unscripted Laughter
There’s something special about those moments when your child bursts into uncontrollable laughter over something silly—maybe a funny face, a tickle fight, or a mispronounced I'm sure mama, you can remember those moments even as a your children are teens.
I remember my son playing in the leaves one fall afternoon when he was around six years old. He was jumping in them, laughing, and playing. We were both just enjoying that moment. All I was thinking about was playing with him, taking in his silly faces and his little voice. Moments like this remind us to pause, to soak in the joy of being present, and to realize that happiness isn’t found in perfection but in connection. We don't do this enough as moms because we are always concerned with the next thing to do and other responsibilities.
Cuddles That Heal the Soul
As moms, we often carry the weight of our family needs and wants on our shoulders. But then comes an unprompted hug, a tiny hand reaching for yours, or a sleepy child resting their head on your shoulder. These quiet, tender moments remind us that love is the most powerful form of reassurance, both for our children and ourselves.
When we are in the throes of infancy, this can be tough to feel like these cuddles are a good thing, especially when our baby is crying and we don't know how to handle that. We are overstimulated as well in those moments, and sometimes, lets be honest, we wish it would end. But when those babies can calm down and rest on you, then its the best thing in the world. The smell of our baby on our chest is one of the best smells in the world, is it not? It's so hard to explain but I feel like most mamas can understand what I mean!
But then comes the bigger kids. When they come up to you and hug you out of nowhere, that's a magical feeling too. My son is 17 years old, but he still comes to hug me and say I love you. That is just a cherished moment that I cannot get enough of. I think as our kiddos get older and the hugs and love get less and less because they're becoming our own. But then those moments become more meaningful because we know they're almost on their own and out of our house. It's so hard to let go, but that's why we as mamas cherish those hugs just a little bit more. We end up reminiscing about those cuddles when they were babies and really truly needed us.
The Bedtime Story Ritual
Bedtime can sometimes feel like just another part of the routine—something to check off the list before we finally get a moment to ourselves. But then there are nights when a bedtime story turns into a deep conversation, a chance to hear your child’s thoughts, dreams, and worries. These moments, though small, build trust, security, and a lifelong bond.
Routine is important too, and its a good time to build that into your time that's included in bathing and getting into pajamas. A bedtime story can lead to so much more! Let's use that time to build more relationship with our kiddos!
Finding Joy in the Unexpected
Motherhood teaches us that life is unpredictable, and that’s part of its beauty. The messy, imperfect, unplanned moments are often the ones we cherish the most. I know it has been for me with both of my kids.
It’s in these moments that we realize motherhood isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about being present, loving deeply, and embracing the joy in the little things.
So, mama, the next time you find yourself caught up in the demands of the day, take a deep breath. Look for the giggles, embrace the cuddles, and savor the bedtime stories. Because these moments, the ones we never plan for, are the ones that make motherhood truly magical.
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