Through the Eyes of a Toddler

Overcast and humid, the day offers no motivation. With a deep sigh, I begin my daily chores. As I push my mop through the kitchen, my mind wanders. I forgot to bring snacks to my two-year old's school this morning. They put a note on his bag to remind me that this was my week to provide them. "They must think I'm a terrible mother...unorganized, often late..."
I hear a heavy sigh behind me. My toddler is following me with his little play mop, and has a look of dispair on his face. I catch a glimpse of my reflection in a mirror on the wall. "Wow, his expression matches my own." I smile as I squat down beside him.
"What's wrong bugger," I ask, in the happiest voice I can manufacture.
His face brightens up instantly, "What's wrong bugger," he responds with delight.
His smile melts my heart. He grabs my hand and drops his mop on the kitchen floor.
"Play cars, Mommy?" He asks me.
How can I say no to such a sweet face? He looks up at me, hoping I will take the time to play with him. He doesn't care if the floor is mopped, or the mantle is dusted. To my toddler, a little bit of my undivided attention is valued above all else, and nothing is more important than playtime. If I could only see the world through the eyes of a two-year old sometimes, my life would probably be much more enjoyable. I look around. The house is a mess. But I realize my youngest child will grow just as quickly as his older siblings. Soon he will cringe at my kisses and prefer his friends to me. As I am led to a colorful "Cars" rug on the living room floor, I think about all the time I spend doing things that aren't all that important in the scheme of things. I wonder how many times I have missed the opportunity to make a memory with one of my kids. "Play cars," I smile at my little boy, and I sit on his rug beside him. "Vroom Vroom."
Yeah, the house is a mess. It was a mess yesterday, and it will be a mess tomorrow. Because right now, I have a date with an adorable little two-year old, and a bucket of matchbox cars.