Happiness to-do: Take time to love the love

 

Lately, life is so busy that my to-do lists have spawned to-do lists. Writing down all the tasks—and related mini tasks—somehow deludes me into thinking that I'm getting stuff done, even when few things are crossed off. The days fly by and I get so caught up in the business of life and distracted by the stress that I neglect to savor what's important above all, my family. 

Ben's helping me focus. He's getting so affectionate, and it's incredible to see the new layers of love forming. He's learned to give big, slurpy kisses. He runs into our arms and gives hugs. He's forcing me to stop and savor. 

I notice when Ben stares adoringly at Dave, Max and Sabrina. I smile when I hear him and Max babbling at each other and when Max says "Benjamin!" oh so clearly. I melt when Ben puts his head on Dave's shoulder and cuddles; he's always done that with me, but only recently with Dave.

He has a special bond with Sabrina. When she walks in from school at the end of the day, he has a squeal just for her. She calls him "mush" and her face lights up when she talks about him.

Amid the whirlwind of my days, these little moments force me to stop and pause. They ground me. Just for a few minutes, I stop rushing and multi-tasking and worrying and doing and I take in the love and acknowledge: This is all that matters.