My Kid

I have naked barbies hanging on the shower door, hoola hoops thrown under my car's rear-tires.  Little polka-dotted underwear lying on the bathroom floor. stuffed animals napping on the sofa corners, jackets tossed in the corners, melted crayons on the towel covering the backseat of the car, wet hair scrunchies resting on the shower tiles, bike helmets tossed on the garage floor, pajamas jammed in dresser drawers.  I step on Monopoly houses that were forgotten, trip over tennis shoes that are discarded wherever, and sometimes feel like I'm talking to a wall.

I get little hands wrapped around my fingers, sloppy sticky kisses randomly planted on me, bear hugs and warm snuggles.  I pinch cheeks, squeeze little buns and smother a little face with kisses.  I hear, "you're the best mom in the whole world" and "I love you mom" 10 times a day.  I shake like jello with laughter at bat faces made and opera sung answers.  I get to watch the excitement on a little face when she gets mail.  I get to see childhood innocence through the likes of Santa and the Easter Bunny.  I get to snuggle in bed and read stories, kiss scraped knees and share a gigantic bowl of buttery popcorn while watching a movie cuddled up under blankets.

Would I trade it for Sex In the City type girlfriends and happy hour martinis?  Not a chance in the world!!!!
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Today I am grateful for my daughter, that it is a sunny Friday and that I have a job.