Through It All

Chapter 16: Perfect

"Mama."

I stifle a smile and keep my eyes shut as I feel my three year old climbs into my bed early in the morning. Josh is already at work and usually I'd wake up with him and start on breakfast but today I decided to sleep in, taking advantage that Lynie is still asleep.

"Mama," his sweet voice repeats.

I pretend to still be asleep, struggling to keep my smile at bay when I feel Noah gently climb over my body. "Mama," he drags the words and I feel his hand cup my cheeks.

"Wake up mama."

An unexpected kiss to my forehead breaks me from my act. My heart literally explodes at his sweet gesture and I can't help myself but wrap my arms around his small frame, hugging him to myself and showering him with kisses all over his face.

A fit of giggles erupt from him and he struggles in my tight hold, trying to get away from my attack of kisses. "Good morning my sweet boy!" I gush and sit up with him in my arms.

He pulls away from my embrace, his face red from laughing and struggling against me but my heart warms at the sight of his huge smile and his big, sparkling blue eyes. "You're awake," he grins.

"I am awake," I agree. "What are you doing up baby?" My finger brush through his knotted hair, pushing it to the side and away from his gorgeous face.

"I want cinnamon rolls."

"You want cinnamon rolls for breakfast?"

He hums in response with a cute little nod. "And chocolate milk," he adds.

"Will you help mama make them?" I ask, looking at him pleadingly.

"Yes, but I get to mix."

"Deal." I seal the promise by giving him a kiss to his cheek. When I pull back I get pulled into a trance, he's turning into such a big boy. With only a few weeks until he turns four, I can feel the want to be closer to him and hold him grow stronger. The year went by way to fast. It feels like yesterday we celebrated his third birthday and now he's already close to four.

Will it always be like this? Will the years keep slipping past my fingertips as I try to grasp on to the precious time? I guess this is why people say to make every day count. We can't afford to lose the little amount of time we have on this earth.

"Mama?"

I blink a few times to bring myself back to reality. "Yes Pumpkin?"

"Is Auntie Riley coming today?"

"Yeah she is. She's coming with Evan."

"When?"

I reach for my phone on the nightstand to check on the time and right as my screen comes to life, I find a message from her saying they'll be arriving in an hour or so."

"Maybe they'll be here for breakfast."

His eyes widen, "We gotta go make it!" He urges, grabbing my hand and attempting to pull me off of my bed.

"Calm down, Noah," I chuckle.

"How about you go change out of your pajamas so they don't get dirty and mama will also get dressed," I suggest.

"I can choose?"

"Yes but nothing nice."

With a newfound excitement he slides down my bed and rushes to his bedroom. I shake my head in amusement and shift my eyes to my sleeping daughter. "What am I going to do with your brother?" I whisper with a smile. As much as I love Lyn as a baby I can't wait to see what kind of toddler she'll be.