🎀 Saturday mornings at Mama’s place always felt softer than the rest of the week.
The world outside could be loud and fast and demanding, but Saturdays belonged entirely to them.
No responsibilities beyond spending time together.
Warm golden sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, painting soft patterns across the bed where babygirl remained buried beneath the duvet, all her blankies as she couldn't decide which one to have the night before and far too many pillows for one person.
At some point during the night, she’d migrated diagonally across the mattress and somehow stolen nearly all the duvet. Mama stood in the doorway holding a cup of coffee, smiling at the sight.
One foot stuck out from the duvet A purple bunny had fallen onto the floor. And all she could see of her girl was a messy patch of hair peeking out.
“Good morning, sleepy girl.”
A grumble emerged from under the duvet.
“Did you hear me, sweetheart?”
“I could’ve sworn I said good morning.”
“Still sleeping, mama.” Mama sat carefully on the edge of the bed.
“That’s interesting, because sleeping people usually don’t talk back.” The duvet moved as babygirl tried and failed not to laugh.
Mama gently pulled the duvet down enough to reveal sleepy eyes and flushed cheeks.
Babygirl blinked up at her.
Mama leaned down to kiss her forehead. “We have plans today, baby.”
That earned a dramatic groan. “No plans.”
“You were very excited about these plans yesterday.”
Babygirl narrowed her eyes.
Mama gasped dramatically.
“You begged me to take you to breakfast.”
“And then the bookstore.”
Babygirl fully woke up immediately.
“The aquarium, sweetheart.”
“The penguins are still there, mama?”
“I would assume so, baby.”
Babygirl launched herself across the bed and into Mama’s lap. Mama barely managed to save her coffee.
“Yes, yes, very exciting.” mama kissed her baby's nose
“And maybe the gift shop?”
“That means maybe, darling.”
Babygirl smiled brightly before suddenly freezing. Mama noticed immediately.
That little expression. That tiny pause. The subtle shift in body language. Her baby looked away. Mama set her coffee down.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
Babygirl immediately became fascinated with her stuffed bunny.
“Do you need something, sweetheart?”
Babygirl’s face turned pink.
Mama waited. A full minute passed. Then very quietly
Babygirl looked miserable now.
“I don’t wanna.” Mama moved a little closer.
“Don’t want what, bubba?”
Babygirl whispered so quietly Mama almost missed it. “Change.”
“Oh sweetheart.” Babygirl instantly buried her face on mama's shoulder.
“It’s embarrassing.” Mama carefully lifted bubbas chin.
“Look at me, sweetheart.” Slowly, babygirl did.
“You never have to be embarrassed with me, accidents happen and you have your nappy on, so you just need changies, no big deal, bubba”
Mama brushed hair away from her face.
Mama’s voice softened even more.
“You need what you need, sweetheart”
Mama kissed her forehead.
“You are allowed comfort.”
Tears gathered in babygirl’s eyes.
“…still don’t wanna, mama”
Babygirl looked confused.
Mama walked toward the dresser.
“And then I’ll change you.”
And then little one took the opportunity to go and hide.
Mama burst into laughter.
Babygirl walked down the hallway in mismatched socks, a top and her nappy.
Mama followed at a leisurely pace.
“hiding only delays the inevitable.”
Babygirl darted into the lounge.
Mama rounded the corner and found absolutely no one.
Mama looked around dramatically.
“Where did my babygirl go?”
She glanced towards the sofa.
Then she noticed a pair of sock covered feet sticking out from beneath the dining table.
“Maybe she disappeared forever.”
“Oh no,” Mama said dramatically. “What will I do without my little shadow?”
She heard another tiny giggle.
“I guess I’ll have to go to the aquarium alone.”
Babygirl popped out instantly.
Mama grinned triumphantly.
“That was effective.” mama boopped little one's nose
“Come here, my little star.”
Babygirl hesitated before slowly walking over and collapsing into her hug.
Babygirl nodded against her chest.
“Still embarrassed, mama.”
Mama leaned back enough to look horrified.
“Even when you hide, baby.”
Afterwards everything was calm and gentle. Mama moved slowly. Spoke softly. Reassured constantly.
And once her girl was clean, comfortable, and dressed in her favorite soft jumper and skirt, they finally headed out.
The bookstore came first. Babygirl wandered through children’s books while Mama pretended not to notice.
Then came pastries and hot chocolate.
Babygirl pressed herself against the glass at the penguin exhibit with complete wonder.
“He absolutely waved, mama.”
Later, after snacks and too many gift shop purchases, Mama noticed her girl had gone quiet.
“What is it, sweetheart?”
Mama immediately understood.
“It’s okay, baby mama will change you.”
Babygirl looked panicked.
“No, once we get home, bubba.”
Babygirl’s eyes filled with tears.
Mama gently took her hand.
“You don’t have to hide from me.”
“But I want to hide from everyone else.” Mama nodded.
“That we can do.” She led her to a quiet corner tucked away in a calmer hallway.
No crowds. No pressure. Just privacy.
Babygirl clung tightly to her hand. Mama handled everything gently once again. Mama opened her arms. Babygirl immediately stepped into them.
“For ruining the penguins.” Mama looked genuinely confused.
“You think needing care ruins our day?” Babygirl shrugged sadly. Mama kissed the top of her head.
“Sweetheart.” Babygirl looked up. “The best part of my day is taking care of you.” That made her cry a little.
Happy tears. Relieved tears.
“You’re supposed to say it back, mama.”
“I love you too, silly girl.”
That evening they returned home tired and happy. Stuffed animals were waiting on the bed. New books sat on the nightstand. And babygirl curled into Mama’s side while showing off her penguin stuffie from the gift shop. “Mama?”
“If I hide tomorrow…” Mama smiled into her hair.
“I’ll still find you, baby.”
Babygirl sighed happily. “Okay.”
After a few seconds babygirl looked up and gave mama a paci kiss "Mama?" Mama placed a soft kiss on bubba's head
"Yes baby?" Little one snuggled into her
"Thank you for always finding me" And within minutes, she was asleep in Mama’s arms. 🎀
