Day 51: 28 December 2025

-

 Reflection/Short Story


She was sitting in a dark room.

The bed was soft. Pillows were propping her up. It was cool enough that she was debating needing a blanket but hadn’t committed to pulling one over herself yet. The shades were partially drawn but it was a December afternoon before a snow storm was predicted to blow in, so it was grey and pale outside anyways. All she could hear was the hum of the air filter.

In her arms was her most precious bundle. His dummie half in and half out of his mouth. His little eyes were closed as he slept.

Her shirt smelled of sour spit up from earlier.

She wasn’t sure if she was ready to set him down yet. Or if he was ready to be set down?

Nap time this afternoon was a bit of a battle. It’s no wonder since he’s in a new time zone. They all are. And it’s rough enough on adults who can rationalize it. But he’d been such a trooper!

Normally he’d sleep just about anywhere. But he was screaming and writhing… so she brought him somewhere dark and quiet. Somewhere that hopefully would soothe and not agitate his already overwhelmed senses.

And sure enough. The moment she sat them down on the bed — he in her arms — he fell asleep.

So now, even though there are things she could be doing, she will spend some quiet time with him. Just letting him rest and be.

Who knows? Maybe she needed rest and quiet and dark, too.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 21: 28 November 2025

-
Image
  Poem -- Mummy, Let's Play We’ve folded the laundry. The dishes are put away. Little One coos, urging: ‘Come on Mummy! Let’s play!’ He lays on his play mat Toys scattered around. I pick up a ball. It makes a rattling sound. He tries to grab it, hold on And then put it in his mouth; But quickly the ball slips And rolls to the ground. We try again. ‘Somethings take practice,’ I say. And hold out the ball for him again Multiples tries are more than okay. Then he rolls over. It’s tummy time now. He has toys and books Out of reach in front of his brow. He kicks and he stretches Arms waving without care. He lifts his head: Active. Alert. And aware. Finally we pick up one of his favourite books. Reading the pages And under the flaps we look. Our foreheads are touching As we lay side by side. He’s laughing and giggling And I’m filled with pride. What a wonderful little one With which to spend the day. I feel so blessed when he coos: ‘Mummy, let’s play!’
Read more

Day 15: 22 November 2025

-
Short Story -- Monkshood Manor: Part 4   The next morning, after a breakfast of granola, yoghurt and fresh fruit, along with some pensive mulling of the previous night’s letter, Teddy made her way to the main entrance. It really was an impressive space, with its black and white chess board of tiles, dark wood panelling and tapestries, impressive mahogany staircase, and enormous crystal chandelier. Walking closer to one of the tapestries to examine it, Teddy noticed it seemed to be of a hunt with a pack of ferocious looking dogs barking at an enraged boar. The hunters on horseback weren’t far behind, one with a horn leading the charge. There was a house in the background… and it resembled Monkshood Manor. Although it was small enough that Teddy couldn’t be sure. ‘Whenever you’re ready, Miss,’ Mr Drey’s basso voice rang again the silence. ‘How does he do that?’ Teddy wondered silently. Aloud she said, ‘Ready when you are.’ ‘Up the grand staircase,’ Mr Drey said, ‘You can find 40 bedr...
Read more

Day 1: 8 November 2025

-
 Journal/Reflection This afternoon Baby and I spent four hours out and about catching up with a family friend. We had coffee, we walked around, we ate lunch, we even admired some local art and each voted for our favourite piece for a drawing they were holding (I chose one of a puffin)… As an introvert, it’s easy for me to get — dare I say  too  — comfortable in my own space and on my own (or now with my little nuclear family of three). I found this during COVID lockdown as well. But today reminded me that getting out is still possible and can be good, even with Little One! I am a new version of me — being a mother — but I am still me. I read books. I have friends. I love to explore and want to travel. And I will never say no to an emotional support latte.
Read more