Do you know what I’m talking about?
If you’re a mom, I bet you do.
I didn’t know what it was three years ago, sitting pregnant in my friend, Andrea’s kitchen as she snuggled a newly-awakened 3 year-old Sophie.
She said to me, “This probably sounds strange to you, but there is absolutely nothing like the smell of sleep on your children. They smell different when they just wake up and it’s so sweet.”
At the time I was watching Sophie and her sisters a few days a week and I was often wondering if I would love my own growing child as much as I loved these 3 precious girls who filled my days with fun and smiles (that question was answered in the hours after I met and fell in love with my first born). I loved snuggling with Sophie in the mornings or after her nap, as I did her little sister, Kate, who needed at least 20 minutes of rocking and lullabies before nap time.
But I’ll be honest, I didn’t really know what Andrea was talking about as I watched her nuzzle her face into the perfect spot on Sophie’s neck. I thought it was really sweet and wondered if one day I would feel the same way.
I have replayed that moment a million times in the past 2 and a half years and given a million “Amen’s” to Andrea’s statement.
Do you know what I’m talking about?
It’s in that moment right before an infant falls asleep in your arms and you can feel her warm breath on your skin.
It’s the smell of a sweaty, mostly bald head, that leaves a ring on your shirt, or on their sheet.
It’s the smell of their morning breath, yesterday’s dirt, or a 12 hour old “No More Tears” shampoo, combined with the rich scents that can only come from those precious pores.
It’s intoxicating and calming. It makes you realize that whatever you were doing is not as important as taking this moment to just be still and inhale.
It’s feeling those arms and legs wrapped tight around you and head buried in your neck as you carry them out of their rooms of haven to meet whatever the new day will bring.
It’s those last moments of rest before the business of a toddler’s life take over and they want nothing more to do with being held and smelt.
It’s better than a cup of coffee to start my day, and it’s the kick I need after mid-day naps to make it to bed time.
It’s a true joy to experience and it’s something I will never ever get tired of smelling. Ever.
Do you know what I’m talking about?
If you’re a mom, I bet you do.
Can you describe the sweet smell of sleep? Or at least how it makes you feel?
Tags: Motherhood
I think that is why I like seeing them in pajamas. It reminds me of nap/bed time.
Thanks for reminding me of one of the precious times we have as parents. I do love the smell of sleep. Partly because it reminds me of some quiet time by myself, but mostly because it is an unguarded moment when we get a glimpse of the calm, sweetness inside our children.
I think God must enjoy watching us sleep too.
I know exactly what you’re talking about… and it makes me feel ALIVE and in love.
Much love to you and your sweet ones.
That’s one of the best times of the day! We love snuggling with Trey boy right after he wakes up. He has such rosy cheeks (very kissable)!
Beautiful writing! What a lovely reminder to stop and savor the sweetness of it all.
And thank you for the Sound of Music tip, I really needed a break from Sesame Street. Ellie’s favorite is “Do Re Mi”…it’s over 4 minutes long.
I can’t wait to know what it’s like… =)
This is so strange (or is it?), but I was just thinking about this the other day. I love to smell my children. There truly is something intoxicating about it, and nothing like it in the world.
Oh, yes yes yes – it’s completely intoxicating! Sweet, warm, earthy, heavenly! I’ve often wondered what purpose this biological phenomenon serves. Why, when children are asleep, should they have a different and headier smell than when they are awake? Maybe so a parent can better locate them and keep them close, even though they are silent? Don’t know, but for me too, it is one of life’s greatest pleasures!