My List

It has been a little while since my last post. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about all of the things I want. I want a house, I want more storage, I want Joshua to learn that biting his cousin is NOT a fun hobby, I want to find out once and for all whether or not Jon Mark was accepted into law school, I want a bed that makes itself, a sink that always stays clear of dirty dishes, a floor that stays unsticky, and a garbage can that doesn't mysteriously collect all of my "lost" things (in addition to biting, Joshua's new hobby is throwing all of my hair accessories and keys into the garbage).

Today was a stressful day of motherhood (probably my most patient-testing day yet). Joshua was VERY cranky, he cried almost all day long. I took him to the park to play with his cousins, and he threw full out tantrums for a good portion of it... the kind of tantrum where he threw his whole body down on the ground and thrashed about not caring that his head was coming in contact with concrete. He cried the whole car ride home, and then didn't stop crying until (and, wouldn't you know it) his daddy came home. He was extra successful in biting his cousin, Bekah, and the only time he laughed all day was when I put him in time-out.

So, today my list of "I wants" kept running through my mind. As I sit here and think about the pathetic pity party that I have thrown for myself today, I came to one conclusion... today was still a very good day. Perhaps instead of thinking about all of the things I want, I should replace that list with a list of the wonderful things I already have. So, here is my list of the wonderful things that happened today.

1. I got to wake up and eat breakfast with my husband and son. I even got strawberries to go on my cereal.
2. I got to spend the day at the park. Joshua didn't get hurt on the slide this time, and my neices and nephew always bring a smile to my face when they interact with Joshua.
3. My sister came over and helped me set up a big boy bed for Joshua (given to me by my awesome mother inlaw).
4. My sweet husband came home from work and played with a very cranky little guy so I could finish getting dinner on the table (Jon Mark is such a great dad. He plays so well with Joshua).
5. After dinner, Jon Mark suggested that we walk to Paradise Bakery for some cookies. So, the three of us headed out for one of my favorite treats. And walking at dusk with my Hubby is one of my most favorite things to do!
6. Joshua was so cute playing in the fountain in front of Paradise Bakery. He did fall in (head first) but caught himself before falling completly in.
7. Joshua didn't kick and scream the whole time he got his teeth brushed (something he absolutly hates).
8. In those quiet moments between rocking him to sleep and laying him down in his crib for the night, Joshua reached up to me and gave me one of his ever-so-special Joshua Hugs. I LOVE his hugs! He grabs both of my ears and pulls my head into his neck and nuzzles me back while smiling a smile so large and cute! In this moment, every little cranky happening of the day melted away and was replaced with every tender emotion that a toddler is capable of giving. And, likewise, my own heart broke at the sweetness of the embrace. I love how Joshua is able to show me what really matters. I love how he makes me feel like I am the most important person in the world to him. It's moments like these when all the world seems to be at peace.

Today was a good day afterall!