I’ve always been a gal who has relished the simple things in
life: a pretty sunset, a walk on a clear fall night, a nice glass
of wine.
But since the birth of our daughter, Emma, three months ago, I
think my enjoyment of the simple has been elevated to a new
extreme.
I’ve always been a gal who has relished the simple things in life: a pretty sunset, a walk on a clear fall night, a nice glass of wine.
But since the birth of our daughter, Emma, three months ago, I think my enjoyment of the simple has been elevated to a new extreme.
I can’t tell you how much I love a working garbage disposal. You’ll know what I’m talking about after living without one for a couple of weeks.
Ours broke down about a month ago. For awhile, my husband, Chris, and I scraped our leftovers into the garbage. Except the one time we forgot and our sink flooded. That was so not fun.
Then last weekend, Chris and his Dad installed a brand-spanking new disposal. Glorious order was restored once again.
I also have a thing for a laundry basket full of clean, folded clothes. It just brings a smile to my face.
Except for my years living in a college dorm, never have I appreciated such a beautiful thing. While balancing a 3-month-old on one hip, clean linens and clothes take on an ethereal quality. I feel gleeful in the knowledge that I won’t have to wash burp cloths, bibs or soiled clothes for at least another two days.
Green traffic lights are another thing I’ve never thought twice about until quite recently. Now, I think about them at least 37 times a day. Whenever I approach a traffic light, I say a silent prayer that it either turns green quickly or stay green long enough for me to drive through it. You see, our little one likes the motion of the car and isn’t fond of sudden stops. I know this because she sometimes screams whenever this unfortunate happening occurs. Especially if U2 isn’t playing quietly in the background.
Here are a few other things I’m simply mad about since giving birth:
• A cupboard door that latches closed, keeping curious miniature dachshunds away. Never again will I come home to find the garbage can toppled over, a trail of banana peels, avocado skins and foil dripping with leftovers leading to our not so adorable dachsie, Lucy.
• Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. It has actually happened two nights in a row. I kid you not. Emma didn’t stir once. (Or if she did, I didn’t hear her). I’m crossing my fingers that many zzz’s are bestowed to our household for a third time tonight.
• A late afternoon walk with Emma. As the sun sets, I point out the leaves on the trees, the barking dogs and the children who speed by on their scooters as she looks up at me thoughtfully. It’s a wonderfully sublime thing.
• The sound of the garage door opening signaling the return of my husband. I know in a moment Chris will rush through the door and Emma and I will soon be enveloped in hugs and “hello’s” and kisses.
Yes, it’s the simple things in life that I truly appreciate. They have become even dearer since we were blessed with Emma three months ago.
