I’m writing this at 4 AM as my 9 month old son sleeps on my chest. He doesn’t do this much anymore. Most of the time he’s on the move and all over the place, but the dreaded 8-10 month sleep regression has decided to make an appearance. My once great 12 hour per night sleeper now awakens screaming at 3 AM.

I have been tired, actually I’ve been exhausted. My baby will not go back to bed until I nurse him and cuddle him. I want him to get back on track with his schedule. I will soon probably implement my sleep training plan so we can all get a good nights sleep, but at the same time, I kind of secretly love this.

My baby needs me. He needs his mama. His little hand grasps some of my hair and clings to my neck. His little warm body snuggled against mine. His little belly rising up and down. I stroke his forehead as he sucks his little thumb and sleeps soundly. He is comforted and feeling safe now that he has his mama. Holding onto me makes everything alright.

He will only fit on my chest for so long. I breathe in his sweet scent as his hair rubs against my cheek. I never want to forget this feeling.

Instead of wishing for this phase to be over, I will cherish these special times and these special memories with my baby boy.

“You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow they’ll be a little older than they were today. This day is a gift. Just breathe, notice, study their faces and little feet. Pay attention. Relish the charms of the present. Enjoy today, it will be over before you know it.”-Jen Hatmaker