No Other Place

It's about 2 1/2 hours past the time I wanted to go to bed. It's been a long day and an even longer night but finally both kids are quiet in their beds. As I finally lie my head down on what feels like the softest bed and comfiest pillow only to hear a little squawk.

"you've gotta be kidding"

Mike, half sleeping already, mumbles that maybe he won't start crying and to just give it some time. Knowing he is wrong, I give into his words anyway. I lay my head back down giving in to the sleepiness. And he starts crying just as I knew he would.

I roll out of bed and walk to his crib, gently scooping him up in my arms. I pray a little bottom patting and bouncing will soothe him back to sleep so I can quickly crawl back into bed. Sensing it not working and fearing I'll wake the other boys, Elias and I move to the chair.

And that is when it happens.

I notice the moonlight shining across his chubby cheeks through the cracks in the blinds. I smell his milk breath through his quieting cries. And as he cuddles tighter into the crook of my arm, I realize there is no other place I rather be than right here.