Quiet

By Kelly

The purple clouds with pink highlights are still visible from my perch on the floor.

The sun sets late in the north this time of year. I always forget. It doesn’t feel like 9:30.

But it is. And the two-year-old who didn’t nap today is finally – FINALLY! – sleeping behind me. She’s laying on top of her quilt, feet on her pillow, arm hanging off the side of the bed. Anything to get closer to momma. I can’t remember a time when she fell asleep without rubbing my arm or touching my hair.

Her older sister and brother have also succumbed. I can hear the quiet breathing all around me.

For the first time today, I can hear myself think.

It’s a crazy, wonderful, hectic, beautiful, wild life right now. Not only am I still learning to balance being a mother of four, but suddenly I’m doing it with everyone at home all the time.

To be honest, I’m loving the extra time with my children. I need this.

But to be even more honest, it’s utterly exhausting.

Which is why I’m sitting in the dusk with my laptop, listening to the quiet.

I think I’ll sit here for just a few minutes more.

Because, in the north at this time of year, the sun rises early too.

Kelly is a new mom of four. You can find her blogging at Love Well.