It's this moment that counts.

Having sixteen years between kids has helped me appreciate the little things that I took for granted the first time. Like morning snuggles, story time, toddler toes and counting Cherrios. There's nothing as precious as the smell of a toddler's neck after a bath or a giggle that erupts and reminds me there aren't just things to smile about throughout my day, but laugh about too.

Alyssa reminds me that it's this moment that counts. It's not the to-do list that I need to focus on. In fact, lists matter little compared to a slobbery kiss. Yes, I'm farther behind than I have been in a while ... on books on need to mail out, on edits I need to complete, on emails I need to answer. But somehow despite that I'm at peace. How could I not be when I giggle at least a dozen times a day and get to read "doggy book" until I know it by heart???

How can a child's snuggles not wash away all the cares of the world?