Dishwasher Miracles and Morning Hugs

While there are days I consider screaming into a pillow and declaring defeat before breakfast, Noah keeps things interesting. There are moments when people do not understand his behavior, when something mysteriously breaks, or when safety feels more like a suggestion than a rule.

Then there are the other days. The ones that remind me why my coffee needs a refill but my heart does not.

Last week the house was quiet. Too quiet. Everyone was at sports, and it was just Noah and me. I sat in my office working when I heard clinking in the kitchen. Never a comforting sound. I walked in prepared for chaos and found Noah…emptying the dishwasher. On his own. Without a formal written request or a series of reminders.

Thankfully the dishes were clean, which felt like a small miracle. I praised him like he had just won an Olympic medal. To be fair, any child completing a chore without being chased down deserves at least a standing ovation.

Then this morning sealed the deal. I had just returned late from a conference and was enjoying those precious final moments of sleep. I opened my eyes to find Noah standing beside my bed, staring. Not unsettling at all.

Before I could fully process the situation, he smiled, stretched out his arms, and said, “Mommy hug.”

And just like that, all was forgiven. I squeezed him tight, because sometimes the chaos takes a day off and lets the good shine through.

Follow along on Facebook and the blog for more chaos, more laughs, and the moments that make it all worth it.