I had every intention of getting a good night’s rest last night. However, I tossed and turned until nearly 11:30 p.m. Then, I woke up at 2:15 a.m. — and never went back to sleep. And it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Nothing, and I mean nothing, could help me fall asleep again.
It’s an understatement to say that I was grumpy when Isabelle encountered me this morning. She must’ve sensed something since she asked me a question she never asks me in the morning.
“How are you, Mommy?”
I answered honestly. I told her about my miserable night of sleep and how terrible my body felt due to a lack of rest.
“Would a hug make it better?” she asked.
“You can try,” I said.
Isabelle wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed. I didn’t feel more rested, but something about her enveloping me in her kiddie embrace calmed me, albeit temporarily.
I zoomed around the house — a frantic mess — for the next hour while she got ready for school. She kept doling out the hugs. She also offered to give me her Teddy to take to Norfolk. (I declined.) Then, she brought me Ari’s huge stuffed bear to give me a hug. (That made me laugh.) Next, she drew me a sweet little picture with the words “I love you” on the bottom. (Big smile!)
I received more hugs from Isabelle — who is not a super-affectionate kid — than I could count this morning. It warmed my heart to know that she sensed my discomfort and wanted to help in whatever way she could. And she did.
Raising Literate Humans 
Sleepless nights are the worst! But your sweet girl…such emotional intelligence! You are loved. 🙂
I’m hoping today was a turning point for her with regard to empathy. We will see what happens once I return home over the weekend.
fingers crossed!!
Hugs from a kid always help 🙂
Sometimes our brain doesn’t want to let go. Hope you get caught up. What an empathetic child you have. That’s really special.
I slogged through the day yesterday. Thankfully, I slept well last night.
Ugh! Insomnia! I love the way Isabella did what she could to help out. It’s the best part of having kids, I think. They are so in-tune with our emotions and want to make us feel better like we make them feel better. Good luck with your headache!
Thanks! I still kinda have it. (Which probably means I should go to bed — now!)
Losing sleep is the worst! What a sweetheart to make sure you felt her love this morning. Safe travels!
She even talked to me on FaceTime today, which she typically doesn’t like to do while I am away. (She isn’t much of a phone person.) I’ll take it… all of it!
What a sweet and compassionate girl!
She’s most compassionate to Ari. THANK GD!
I’m happy where we are in our lives, but I read stuff like this and think back fondly to our times like this. This slice made me happy, and for that, I thank you! 🙂
These days are fleeting and I know it. A lump comes to my throat when I realize that I’m going to blink and my kids are going to be grown. Sure, these years are exhausting, but they’re also incredible.
Kids certainly do know how to make us feel better. How lovely to receive all those hugs. Hope your day went okay
Yesterday was rough. Today was much better!
Awww, Isabelle is demonstrating such empathy and love-warms my heart. She must have had some wonderful role models. Hope you feel better today.
Sometimes she’s a tough cookie. Other times, like this, I see glimmers of the person we hope she will be. The returns on the investment with kids come later, right?
Ugh, I am sorry and can relate to that sleepless night grumpy morning syndrome. Glad the hug helped a little and hope the hydrating did too.
I’ve been hydrating like a mad woman. I almost had to leave one of the sessions I was leading today because I was drinking so much water. Alas, I was able to make it!
Hope keeping hydrated helped. I hate sleepless nights. Mostly, though, I’m impressed that Isabelle offered up those hugs. As nice as kid hugs are, I suspect that you were as healed by her reaction as her hugs. Maybe she’s growing a little!
Given that she talked to me via FaceTime today, I have a feeling she is.
You’ll get back into the swing of things soon enough. I had 2 nights in a row this week where nothing worked in the sleeping department and it is brutal. But kids have that magic power, don’t they? Hope your travels go well and thanks so much for sharing such an adorable picture of your exhaustion.
I am looking forward to (and hoping for) another good night of sleep!
Children are so inspiring! Sometimes their intuition is so on point. I also have little girls at home, and parents of teenagers are always telling me to enjoy this time, which I try to do! I love how you are appreciating your little one today.
These sweet days are fleeting. I cannot even begin to tell you how fast the past couple of years have gone now that I have two!
I truly believe children are like pets. They really can sense when you are not OK, and usually know what you need. In this case hugs! — Christie
I think you have a great point, Christie!
Those nights are the worst!! Especially before going on a trip. I love how you turned it into a story about your daughter’s hugs and her concern for you. Great post.
I cannot manage with that little amount of sleep. Speaking of which, I NEED to go to bed now. 🙂
It was so adorable how she wanted to help cure you with a hug. What a great helper.
Yes, she is a great helper!
Sometimes all we need is very simple. A hug from our kids!