getting breathed on

It's a cozy morning here in our old farmhouse. 

A little chilly, the walls are getting cold, 
ready for the warmth of our wood stove.

I just got done getting breathed on. 

It's one of my favorite things about having a baby in our home.

I lay next to her heavy sleeping body, all snuggled in our down bed.

I quietly place my face as close to hers as I can, 
nuzzled under her nose without really touching her, 

and I lay as still as possible.

 I close my eyes and open my ears and 
then all at once I feel it. 
Her little puffs of breath falling on me.

I hear her quick steady breathing and her little baby noises.

And I stay there as long as I can.

Our worlds as close as they can be, 

our breath mingling, creating a sweet scent.

I promise you, sleeping babies have the sweetest smell. 

This only lasts so long, because even now when I try to do this with my sleeping 7 and 5 year old, well, they stink.

Stinky sleeping breath, it's just not the same.  

There's only so much time to breathe in their sleeping sweetness.

And so I lay there until tears start to well up, 

tears of gratitude and 
so much love that my heart can't even handle it. 
And I meet with God.

"Babies are such a nice way to start people."
  ~Don Herrold