The Simple Pleasures

It's about 8:30am, and all is quiet. Austin has already had his early morning feeding, and is now sound asleep, belly full and blissfully content in his swing. Abigayle has just spent some time with her Nana and Papa, and came home EXHAUSTED from all the fun they had - she too is sound asleep, and hasn't made a peep. I wish I had such a great excuse for being tired - making snow angels and tobogganing all day must be such hard work!
In the past peaceful hour that I've had to myself, I've had time to think about how my priorities have shifted over the past two years; how the most simple pleasures have become luxuries reserved only for quiet, stolen moments like this. Reading a magazine without someone peering over my shoulder, and the pages being crinkled and torn before I have a chance to read them. Spending some time on the computer without someone in my lap tapping on the keyboard and clicking my mouse - bringing up screens and menus that would surely baffle Bill Gates himself. Enjoying a cup of coffee, while it's hot (the first time!), and not having to worry about it being spilled and little fingers being burned when they dip inside the mug. I may even go willy-nilly and paint my nails, not having to worry about smudging the polish when I change a diaper before they've had the chance to dry. Just sitting, alone with my thoughts, listening to the quiet. I *should* have been catching up on some laundry, loading the dishwaser, picking up toys or scrubbing the bathroom. But...it's not very often that I get to enjoy the morning. I've watched the sun rise, and I know the day will soon begin for the rest of my brood. I hear a tiny voice from upstairs, calling "Moooommmy..." - Time is up!