🎀 Babygirl had been feeling very, very small all day.
It had started the moment she woke up, when everything seemed just a little too big. Words were harder to find, simple decisions felt impossible, and all she really wanted was to stay tucked close to mama.
Mama had noticed long before babygirl had tried to explain.
She noticed the sleepy little yawns, the way babygirl held onto the sleeve of her cardigan whenever they walked from room to room, and how she melted into every cuddle like she was trying to disappear into mama's embrace. So mama never rushed her.
She spoke softly, offered extra hugs, and reminded babygirl over and over again that she didn't have to be a big girl today.
"You can be as little as you need, sweetheart," mama whispered, kissing the top of her head. "Mama's got you."
By the time evening arrived, babygirl's eyelids were heavy. She rubbed at them with tiny fists before letting out the cutest little whine.
Mama smiled knowingly. "I think someone's ready for bath time."
Babygirl only gave a tiny nod. Little one loves her baths.
Mama lead little one upstairs and into the bathroom.
"All the bubbles, sweet girl" mama hummed. "Does bubba want to pick her bath toys. While mama gets the bath ready?"
Babygirl rubbed her eyes before burying her face into mama's chest. Mama rubbed her back and chuckle. "I'll take that as a no"
Warm water soon filled the bathtub, sending little clouds of steam into the air.
Mama carefully helped babygirl into the water, making sure it wasn't too hot.
"There we are," mama said. "Nice and cozy, sweetheart"
Almost immediately, babygirl relaxed.
The warm water wrapped around her like a hug.
Mama gently washed her hair, using slow fingertips to massage the shampoo into her scalp, while little one sleepily played with the bubbles
Tiny rubber starfishes floated around the tub while babygirl lazily pushed one across the water.
Every now and then she would blink slowly, almost falling asleep sitting up.
Mama couldn't help but smile.
Bubba giggled quietly before reaching for mama's hand.
Mama held it without a second thought.
Once bath time was over, mama wrapped babygirl in the fluffiest towel she owned.
Mama kissed her forehead and babygirl hid her face in the towel, smiling shyly.
Mama gently dried her hair before helping her into fresh nappy and jammies that were soft and warm against her skin.
Mama settled babygirl onto the bed while she brushed her hair into smooth, gentle strokes.
Each brush seemed to melt another little worry away.
When she finished, mama lifted the covers and bubba climbed in, paci already tucked between her lips and her little fingers reaching for her favourite blankie
"There you go, sweet girl."
Babygirl hugged it tightly.
"I wasn't planning on going anywhere, baby."
She climbed onto the bed beside babygirl, pulling her into a cuddle.
Bubba curled into mama's chest as if she'd found the safest place in the whole world.
Mama rubbed slow circles across her back.
"You did such a good job today."
Babygirl frowned slightly.
Mama tipped her chin up gently.
"You don't have to do big things every day."
"No, sweetheart. Some days your biggest job is letting yourself be cared for."
Little one thought about that for a moment before giving a tiny nod.
"Mummy's proud of you whether you're feeling big or feeling very little."
A sleepy smile spread across babygirl's face.
Mama kissed her forehead.
"There isn't a version of you that isn't lovable."
Only the gentle glow of the nightlight filled the room.
Mama reached over to switch on the little lullaby machine, letting soft music drift through the air.
Babygirl's breathing became slower and steadier.
Mama smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair away from babygirl's face.
"I love you too, my sweet girl. More than all the stars in the sky."
Within moments, babygirl was asleep, still snuggled safely against mama's chest.
Mama stayed exactly where she was, gently stroking babygirl's hair until she was certain she was dreaming peacefully.
Because on days when babygirl felt especially small, there was nowhere else mama would rather be than holding her close, making sure she drifted off feeling safe, loved, and completely at home. 🎀
