There's something about a sleeping child that makes a parent stop and wonder about the magic that makes little folks possible. I could sit and stare at his face forever because he reminds me of so many things: innocence, happiness, and a mirror of my wife's features when I look at him just so in the shadows of the bathroom light that spills into his room and gently lights his bed.
When Noah is awake, he moves at the speed of light. He doesn't walk anywhere: he runs, usually on the balls of his feet. Just before he falls asleep, he often becomes so full of beans that it's impossible to imagine him ever falling asleep. But after a few minutes of quiet, his huge eyes close and silence descends for the night. Sometimes he'll even snore - like someone else we know - but in his case, it's cute.
I often wonder what he's dreaming about. Then the morning comes soon enough, and he once again wakes up happy, ready to absorb and attack the next day as enthusiastically as he did the day before. I'm certain his dreams were sweet. As were mine, as I drifted off and wondered what ever I did to deserve any of this.
Your turn: Thankfulness. Please discuss.
Beautiful innocence. I too sneak peaks of my children sleeping. It is a joyful calm I feel...... and one of gratitude as well.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of the scene in John Irving's World According to Garp when he does the same.
My children seem to have grown in heaps and bounds this year. At 9 and 13 I am trying to catch up....... it happens so darn fast.
Enjoy your day......I'm glad I found your blogworld.
Children in all their various ages and stages are wonders to behold, and especially when sleeping. That such bundles of energy can - in a minute or two - change into quiet, still forms of such sweetness boggles the mind.
ReplyDeleteI often find myself just starring, wide eyed at mine (8 years old) and find that I can't look away.
ReplyDeleteI sit next to her bed while she's sleeping, watching her, smelling her sleepy-kid smell and listening to her breathe.
Treasure these little things for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things... (don't know who said that but I love it).
You amaze me with your photography abilities and your talent with capturing the important things in life.
ReplyDeleteAnd you instantly transported me back to the days that I did the very same thing...stood there staring at the miracle of life and the wonder of a child. I'm grateful for life in general...and to me, a child is the epitome of this gift.
I'm deeply thankful that I am able to continue my education and obtain my masters for free.
ReplyDeleteI'm very grateful that I was able to buy a house all on my own. That was tremendously hard work.
I'm thankful for my family, and I am very happy that each of my siblings is finding his or her way through life according to their personal terms. It's exciting!
Ohhhhh this is just precious and beautiful Carmi. Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteMy little sister is 15-years young than me, so I remember plenty of time where she fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. Watching her, my breathing fell in line with hers--it was love without talking.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for my children and grand children and a loving husband and the memories of my boys when they were little and I was the centre of their world. And thankful that they now have their own worlda and I can enjoy them and not be responsible for them
ReplyDeleteHe sure looks like you, Carmi! That's a beautiful shot.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful photo. it really shows the love you have for him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful boy. He looks just like you. Do you think we look that peaceful when we sleep.
ReplyDeleteThe calm. When I see my children sleeping I am so thankful that they can sleep in a calm and loving environment. Where they feel safe and secure and free to dream as they drift off...
ReplyDeleteIt is one of my favorite times to watch them...
Great picture Carmi...I am sure you will look back on that one for a long time.
Nice photo.
ReplyDeleteYou described my son exactly. He is always running, no matter where we are, and he talks or sings constantly. When he is quiet I feel the need to ask if he is okay. My husband and I read a story to him together every night, and at times he gets so silly it's all we can do to try and get him to settle down. Of course, we like to play the games too.
Tonight I turned on the video camera to try and capture a bit of it. He was making up a very detailed and adventurous story, adding his own dramatic music where emphasis was needed. The entire time he ran back and forth from one end of the room to the other, except when he ran in place and made sounds or sang. He is the sweetest, most energetic soul I have ever met.
Children remind me to be thankful for life, and all they have to do is be children.
I am thankful that there are people who are willing to be parents so that I don't have to! But despite being happily child-free, I do appreciate the beauty of a sleeping child. In fact I like them best when they're asleep ;-)
ReplyDeleteAs the mother of a ten-month-old baby who still wakes at least a few times a night, I inhabit a sleep-obsessed world. I LOVE to watch him sleep. As he only sleeps in our arms or in our bed, I get a lot of opportunities for sleep-gazing, and I am grateful every time.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. Oh how I can relate :)
ReplyDeletethat is a beautiful picture. something about sleeping children just puts a strangle-hold on a parent's heartstrings. I go in every night to peek at mine.
ReplyDeleteit erases the mild irritation you feel as you step on itty bits of legos strewn around the room, magic! I used to go in when they were babies just to make sure they were breathing, and to be steeped in their baby scent. Now I go just to admire.
blessings,
Jenny in Ca