#mamabearbearuk

[mommabearbear]

Little is okay, Little is safe, Little is loved 💕

🎀 The late afternoon light fell across the bedroom in soft gold, catching the edges of little one's blanket as she curled into it. She wasn’t crying, she was just small, small enough that even breathing felt like an effort. Her fingers twisted the corner of her favorite knit blanket, the one Mama and her had picked during their first winter together. That memory usually brought comfort.

But today… it only made her feel foolish.

She squeezed her eyes shut. Why am I like this? Why today? Why can’t I just be normal for once? Then a gentle knock came. Two taps, a pause, then one more.

“Baby girl?” Mama’s voice drifted in warm and low. Little one hesitated. Her throat felt tight. Still, she whispered, “...here.”

The door creaked as Mama stepped inside, not all the way, she stopped near the foot of the bed, waiting. “Color?” Babygirl swallowed. “Um… yellow.”

Their code for I’m okay, but fragile. Mama nodded once, softly. “Thank you for telling me, darling.”

Only then did she move closer, settling slowly onto the edge of the mattress. She didn’t reach out yet. She just let her presence settle beside her little one, like a blanket of its own.

“What’s hurting, sweetheart?” Mama asked.

Babygirl stared at the knit loops between her fingers. “I… slipped. Again.” Her voice wobbled, small but honest. “And I feel dumb about it. I didn’t want to be little today.”

Mama hummed gently, a grounding sound that vibrated low in her chest. “Can I touch you, love?” Little one nodded, cheeks warming with shame.

Mama’s hand came to rest on her back, steady and warm. No pushing. No fixing. Just a presence that said, You’re not alone. “Tell me the shape of the feeling, sweetheart” Mama whispered.

Babygirl took a shaky breath. “It’s… heavy. Like I’m taking up too much space. Like I shouldn’t need you this much.”

Mama’s thumb stroked a slow circle between her shoulders. “Needing me isn’t too much. And being little isn’t wrong.” She waited a beat, letting the words settle. “It sounds like you’re scared your needs make you a burden.” Baby’s lips trembled. “Yes…”

“Oh, baby girl.” Mama eased her closer, but still left room for little one to choose, Babygirl leaned the last inch herself, resting her head against Mama’s chest. Mama’s sweater smelled, Familiar and Safe.

“You’ve never been a burden, sweetheart” Mama murmured into her hair. “And your littleness isn’t an accident I have to tolerate. It’s a part of you. One I choose to care for.”

“But what if I’m too much?” babygirl whispered.

Mama pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, slow, deliberate. “If you were ever ‘too much,’ I wouldn’t be here wrapping you in this blanket every time your heart gets small. I’m here because I want to be. Because taking care of you in all your sizes is my favourite thing I get to do.”

Little one let out a tiny, choked sound, half sigh, half sob, then clung to Mama’s sweater with both hands.

Mama rocked her gently, barely moving, creating the rhythm that Babygirl always melted into. “Do you want the grounding ribbon, darling?” she asked. Little one nodded against her chest.

Mama reached into her cardigan pocket and pulled out the soft purple ribbon, silky, warm from being kept near her heart. It was their ritual, the ribbon meant you’re safe to soften.

Babygirl wrapped it around her fingers, feeling the edges slide between them. Breath by breath, her shoulders loosened.

“There you go,” Mama whispered. “Little is okay. Little is safe. Little is loved.” Little one sniffled. “Thank you, Mama.”

“Always, baby girl.” Mama tucked the blanket around them both, one arm snug around her baby. “When your world feels too big, you can curl into mine.” Babygirl nodded. Mama placed a soft kiss on her head.

"Your littleness isn’t something we ‘fix.’ It’s something we care for.” little one felt small as she leaned into mama, but no longer ashamed.

Just held. Just safe. Just hers. 🎀

[mommabearbear]

A Dramatic Day 🤭

🎀 The morning started slow and warm.

Babygirl was still tangled in blankets when Mama leaned over her, brushing soft fingers through her messy hair.

“Good morning, sleepy baby.” A grumble came from beneath the comforter.

“No.”

Mama smiled. “No?”

“No awake.”

“That’s unfortunate, because we have plans today.”

Babygirl slowly peeked out. “What plans?”

Mama kissed her forehead. “Coffee shop.”

Babygirl blinked.

“And maybe the toy shop after.”

Now she sat up immediately.

“The one with all the stuffies and books?”

“The very one.”

“You should’ve started with that.”

Mama laughed. “I know, but i like seeing you being dramatic”

After getting dressed, babygirl padded around the room while Mama got dressed and checked her bag.

Snacks.

Water bottle.

Wipes.

And...

“Mama!”

Mama looked up to see babygirl standing in the doorway, cheeks pink.

“What is it, baby?”

Babygirl shifted from foot to foot.

“Mama…”

“Yes, bubba?”

“I think… I need changies.”

Mama’s expression softened immediately.

“Come here, sweetheart”

Babygirl slowly walked over, still looking shy.

Mama gently rubbed her side. “have you got messy bum?”

A tiny nod.

“And you didn't want to tell mama?”

Another tiny nod.

Mama smiled warmly. “Silly bum.”

Little one hid her face against Mama’s shoulder. “Didn’t wanna stop getting ready.”

“Well now we definitely need to stop.”

A soft whine.

“It’ll only take a minute, sweetheart”

Mama patted the bed.

“lay down for me please, bubba.”

Babygirl pouted dramatically while Mama worked gently and efficiently.

“Cold” babygirl complained quietly as Mama used wipes.

“I know, baby, Almost done.”

“Mamaaaa.”

“You’re being very brave, sweetheart” mama gently applies some nappy cream on babygirl

“That’s not helping, mama”

Mama laughed softly.

Once she was clean, Mama slid a fresh nappy into place and helped her sit up.

“All better, bubba”

Babygirl immediately melted into her arms.

“Thank you, mama”

“You never have to be embarrassed to tell me when you need help, okay?”

Babygirl nodded against her chest.

“Okay.”

Mama kissed the top of her head. “That’s my baby.”

At the coffee shop, babygirl immediately spotted the most ridiculous drink on the menu.

“Mama.”

“No.”

“But I didn’t even ask yet.”

“You were looking at it too hard.”

“It has cookie pieces.”

“No.”

“It has whipped cream.”

“No.”

“It has COOKIE PIECES!!.”

“No.”

Babygirl crossed her arms dramatically. “You’re ruining my life.”

Mama ordered anyway.

One latte for herself.

One hot chocolate for her grumpy baby, with extra whipped cream and marshmallows.

When the drink was handed over, bubba stared at it.

“…I forgive you.”

“I thought you would.” mama chuckles as she takes a sip of her drink

The toy shop was full of chaos. Bubba wanted everything.

A purple bunny stuffie.

Sparkly stickers.

A stuffie frog.

A book.

A new blankie.

“Mama, please.”

“One toy.”

“That feels unfair, mama”

“One.”

Babygirl dramatically flopped against Mama’s arm.

“You’re so strict.”

“And yet you still adore me.”

Little one grumbled. Eventually she chose a floppy bunny stuffie and carried it around like precious treasure.

By the time they got home, little one was exhausted and in need of a change. She kicked off her shoes at the door and immediately climbed into Mama’s arms.

“Tired, bubba?”

“No.”

Mama adjusted her arm around little so she could check her nappy. “Oh? Then why are you falling asleep on me?”

“No proof.”

Mama laughed and guided little one up the stairs and into her bedroom. But before laying her down, Mama paused.

“Baby?”

“Mhm?”

“I think we need one more nappy change before nap time.”

Babygirl groaned dramatically.

“Noooo.”

“Yes.”

“I’m too sleepy.”

“I know, sweetheart”

Mama laid her down gently and handed bubba her paci. Babygirl clutched her new bunny dramatically while Mama changed her.

“This is the worst day ever.” Mama smiled. “You got hot chocolate, a new bunny, and a nap.”

“…second worst.”

“That sounds more accurate.”

Once she was clean and comfy again, Mama helped her into soft pajamas and tucked her into bed. Babygirl immediately reached for her.

“Cuddle.” Mama climbed in beside her. Bubba curled into her chest, bunny tucked between them. Mama rubbed slow circles against her back.

“Did you have a good day, sweetheart?” A sleepy nod.

“Even with mama being so strict?” A tiny smile. “You’re still a little mean, mama” Mama kissed her forehead. “And you’re very spoiled.”

“…only a little.”

“Very.” mama kissed her nose playfully Babygirl yawned.

“Love you, Mama.”

“Love you more, bubba.”

Within minutes, she was fast asleep, warm, clean, cuddly and holding both Mama and her new bunny. 🎀

[mommabearbear]

🎀 i’ve been a caregiver for a long time now… long enough to have seen both the soft, beautiful moments and the ones that ache a little. but i wouldn’t change any of it. every step, every experience, led me right here.

when you find a cg/little who doesn’t try to reshape you… who accepts you exactly as you are, and is happy to learn and grow beside you… that’s something special. when they trust you with their softest, most vulnerable parts, and feel safe enough to come to you when things don’t feel right… you just know. you know you’ve found your person.

being a caregiver was never just a role or a hobby for me. it’s simply who i am.

and bubba… she isn’t just my little. she’s my best friend, too. with her, there’s no pretending. no masks. just softness, honesty, and being exactly who we are, together. 🎀

[mommabearbear]

A No kinda of day 😔

🎀Babygirl woke up with her blanket pulled all the way over her head and her stuffies squeezed tight against her chest. Something just felt… off. Not bad, not scary, just no. A whole day full of no.

Mama peeked into the room quietly. “Good morning, sweetheart. Ready to get up?” A tiny voice answered from under the blanket.

“No.” Mama smiled a little, gentle, never teasing. “Okay. Would you like me to open the curtains?”

“No.”

“Do you want a warm bottle?”

“…No.”

“Cuddles?”

A pause… then a firmer, tiny, frustrated,

“No!”

Mama didn’t push. She knew these days, when everything felt too hard, too loud, too much. She sat on the edge of the bed and laid a gentle hand on the lump under the covers.

“That’s alright,” Mama whispered. “It’s a ‘no’ kind of day, huh?” A small sniffle.

“…No.” Mama chuckled softly. “Okay, baby. Mama hears you.”

She didn’t ask any more questions. She simply pulled out Babygirl’s favorite stuffie, Bunbun, and placed it by her side. The blanket shifted just enough for a small hand to tug Bunbun under with her.

Mama rubbed slow circles where Babygirl’s back was. “You don’t need to do anything today. Mama’ll take care of the thinking.”

There was no response but “no” was already the theme of the morning. After a minute Mama tried again, not a question this time, just a soft statement.

“I’m going to make some yummy pancakes. I’ll put them on your special plate. You can come out when you’re ready.” This time Babygirl didn’t say no… but she didn’t say yes either.

A short while later, Babygirl shuffled into the kitchen, blanket dragging behind her like a storm cloud. She climbed onto her chair, arms crossed tight and eyebrows scrunched down.

Mama placed the plate in front of her with a kind smile. “Here you go, sweetheart.”

Babygirl looked at the pancakes… and something inside her snapped. “I DON’T WANT IT!” she shouted, hands slapping the table.

Mama froze, not angry, just watching with those calm, steady eyes.

Babygirl’s face crumpled. She kicked her feet, pushed the plate, not hard, just enough to make it slide, and shouted again, louder this time:

“NO PANCAKES! NO MAMA! NOOO!”

Tears spilled, hot and fast. Her little fists thumped her blanket, and she let out a wobbly scream of pure frustration.

Mama waited until the worst of the storm burst out, then gently placed a hand on Babygirl’s back. “Baby…” Mama’s voice was calm, warm, unshakably steady. “It’s okay to say no.”

Babygirl hiccupped, still sniffling angrily.

“But it’s not okay to shout at Mama or push things,” Mama continued softly. “You’re allowed to have big feelings. You’re allowed to say no. Mama just needs you to use a gentle voice.” Babygirl’s lip trembled. “S…sorry…”

Mama pulled little one into her lap immediately. “Thank you for the apology. Mama’s not upset. You had a big feeling, and Mama’s job is to help with big feelings.”

Babygirl buried her face in Mama’s chest, clinging hard. Mama rocked her gently.

“Do you need cuddles now?” A small nod, shaky but real. “That’s a yes,” Mama whispered. “Good job using a calm body.”

Little one sniffled. “I don’t… I don’t wanna say no anymore…” Mama kissed her forehead.

“That’s okay. You don’t have to. And if you do again, that’s okay too. Mama will help you find your gentle words.”

Babygirl relaxed completely for the first time that day, melting into Mama’s arms like warm honey.

“Love you, Mama,” she mumbled.

“Love you more, Babygirl.”

And Mama held her, warm, steady, and patient, knowing that even “no days” can end in the safest, softest yes. 🎀

[mommabearbear]

My Brave Girl 🎀

🎀 Bubba made it through the front door on autopilot.

Keys dropped into the little ceramic bowl by the entrance with a clink she barely registered. Her shoes were kicked off unevenly, one by the mat, one halfway down the hall. Her work bag slipped from her shoulder and landed with a dull thud.

And then she just stood there.

Small.

Not physically, though she felt like she could fold in on herself and disappear if she tried hard enough. It had been one of those days. The kind where every email sounded sharp, every mistake felt catastrophic, every interaction left her feeling scraped raw. She’d held herself together under fluorescent office lights and polite professionalism, but by the time she got home, all the “grown-up” parts of her were fraying at the edges.

Her eyes burned. From the kitchen, she heard soft music playing and the quiet clink of dishes.

Then...

“Bubba?”

Mama’s voice drifted down the hall, warm and immediate. That was all it took. Her bottom lip wobbled as tears flooded her eyes.

Mama appeared in the doorway a second later, drying her hands on a dish towel before immediately softening at the sight in front of her.

“Oh, sweetheart.”

Babygirl let out the smallest, most pitiful sound, half whimper, half breath and suddenly she was crying.

Not loud sobs.

Just exhausted tears slipping down flushed cheeks as she stood frozen, shoulders trembling. Mama crossed the room quickly but calmly, like approaching a frightened animal.

“What happened, sweetheart?” she asked gently. Babygirl shook her head.

“Don’t know.” That only made her cry harder. Mama’s expression turned impossibly tender.

“Okay. That’s okay.” The dish towel was tossed aside as she opened her arms. “Come here, bubba.” Babygirl practically fell into her.

Mama caught her easily, wrapping both arms around her and pulling her close until there wasn’t even an inch of space between them. One hand cradled the back of her head while the other rubbed slow circles over her back.

“Its okay baby” Mama murmured into her hair. “You’re home now.”

“I had a bad day and i felt really small all day” babygirl hiccuped.

“I know.”

“I tried really hard.”

“I know you did.”

Her fingers twisted in the fabric of Mama’s shirt. Mama’s hold tightened slightly.

That seemed to break something open. Words tumbled out in messy fragments.Her boss correcting her in front of everyone. The way she forgot something important. How everyone seemed louder than usual. How she felt stupid for crying about any of it.

Mama listened to every word like it mattered deeply because to her, it did.

When babygirl finally ran out of breath, Mama tipped her chin upward.

“First of all,” she said softly, brushing tears away with her thumbs, “you are not stupid.” Babygirl sniffled.

Mama kissed the tip of her nose. “You had a hard day while carrying a lot of big feelings. That doesn’t make you weak.”

Another kiss, this one on her forehead. “It means you’re overwhelmed.” Babygirl leaned into her touch like a flower toward sunlight.

“I feel really little.” Mama smiled softly, with no surprise at all. “Yeah?” A tiny nod.

Mama’s voice dropped lower, gentler. “Do you need Mama to take over for a while?” Immediate relief washed over her face. “Yes.”

“Okay, sweet girl.” Mama tucked hair behind her ear.

“Then no more worrying about grown-up things tonight. Mama’s got all of that handled.”

Babygirl’s shoulders visibly relaxed.

“Can you do one thing for me?”

“What mama?”

“Can you let mama help you get comfy?” She nodded.

“Good girl.” The praise hit her like warm honey, and she melted a little further.

Mama helped her out of her work clothes piece by piece careful and unhurried. She traded stiff office wear for one of bubbas favourite tshirts and got her bum padded, before helping her sit up and placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

“There’s my baby” Mama whispered when fresh sleepy eyes looked up at her.

By the time they made it to the couch, a blanket was waiting. And so was a bottle of warm milk.

Babygirl curled into the corner while Mama settled beside her. Without needing to ask, she climbed into Mama’s lap, tucking herself against her chest.

“That’s it” Mama murmured. “Get comfy.” Her body finally unclenched. Mama played with her hair while softly asking simple questions.

“Did you eat lunch today?”

A pause.

“…no.”

Mama gave her a knowing look. “I figured.”

Soon there were cut-up strawberries, yogurt, and little pieces of cheese waiting on a plate because full meals felt too overwhelming when she was small.

Mama fed her bites between soft kisses to her temple. “Open, please sweetheart” Babygirl obediently took a bite.

“Good girl.” By the time the plate was empty, her eyelids had grown heavy.

“Mama?”

“Yes, baby?”

“Can I stay little all night?” Mama smiled and pulled the blanket higher around her.

“You can stay little as long as you need.”

“What if work is bad again tomorrow?” Mama pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Then tomorrow you’ll handle tomorrow.”

“And tonight?”

“Tonight,” Mama whispered, “you rest and let yourself be cared for.” Babygirl sighed deeply, the kind that came from somewhere far inside.

Safe. Held. Protected. Mama continued stroking her hair as her breathing slowed. Right before sleep claimed her, she felt another kiss pressed to her forehead.

“My brave girl.” 🎀

[mommabearbear]

You are mummying me again....

......don't stop 🎀

🎀 The house was quiet except for the soft hum of rain against the windows and the faint rustle of blankets as babygirl shifted dramatically for what had to be the tenth time in five minutes.

“Mmmph.”

From the kitchen, Mama looked up from stirring her coffee. “That sounded suspiciously like someone who should be asleep.”

“Noooo,” came the muffled whine from the sofa.

"I think you mean yes, sweetheart"

Mama walked into the lounge and chuckled to herself, bubba was laying on her belly on the sofa frowning at the tv. As soon as mama sat down, little one curled against Mama’s chest while trying to maintain her fake indignation.

Mama patted bubba's padded bottom and rubbed her back

“Mamaaa.”

“Yes, baby?” mama placed a soft kiss on her baby's nose

“You’re doing it again.”

Mama blinked innocently. “Doing what?”

Little one huffed, poking Mama’s arm. “Mummying me.”

“Mummying you?”

“Yes.” She buried her face into Mama’s jumper. “You keep being all… mama.”

Mama’s expression softened instantly.

“Oh sweetheart.” Her fingers drifted through little one’s hair slowly. “What exactly does being ‘all mama’ mean?”

Little one grumbled quietly.

“The forehead kisses.”

“Mhm.”

“The blanket stealing.”

“I gave that blanket back.”

“The voice.”

“My voice?”

“You use your soft voice when you know I’m sleepy.”

Mama smiled knowingly. “And?”

Bubba peeked up at her with a pout that wasn’t remotely convincing.

“And the cuddles.”

“The cuddles are a problem?”

“They make me all…” She waved her hand vaguely. “Tiny.”

Mama kissed the tip of her nose.

“That may be because you are my tiny girl.”

Little one let out the most dramatic groan imaginable.

“Mama is mummying me again.”

Mama laughed softly,  warm, quiet, fond.

“I absolutely am.”

“That’s illegal.”

“It’s actually very encouraged.”

“By who?”

“Me.”

Bubba tried very hard not to smile.

Failed horribly.

Mama adjusted the blanket around both of them and kissed her forehead.

“You know,” she murmured, “I’ll keep mummying you for as long as you need.”

Little one’s entire fight disappeared at that. Her arms tightened around Mama’s middle. “What if I need it forever?” Mama didn’t hesitate.

“Then forever sounds perfect.”

Little one went very still before whispering: “Okay.”

Mama tilted her chin upward gently.

“Okay what, sweetheart?”

“Okay… you can keep mummying me.” Mama grinned.

“How generous of you.”

“I know.”

Another forehead kiss.

“Mama?”

“Yes, babygirl?”

“You’re doing it again.”

“And?”

Little one snuggled impossibly closer. “…don’t stop.” 🎀

[mommabearbear]

🎀Mama always knows🎀

🎀 The room was full of quiet little sounds, blocks tapping together, soft humming, tiny giggles. Babygirl sat on the floor, legs tucked under her, completely focused on stacking them just right.

Mama watched from the couch, smiling to herself.

She didn’t say anything right away… she was waiting.

Because she knew.

Babygirl suddenly stopped stacking. Her hands rested in her lap. She gave a small wiggle, then went very still, like maybe if she didn’t move… the feeling would go away.

Mama tilted her head, gentle and knowing.

"Does someone need to go potty?" Babygirl shook her head without even looking up from her toys

"no no no"

Mama waited another second and there it was the hiding hands again

"Bubba?" Little one looked up this time

"Yes mama?"

“do you need to go potty?” she said softly.

Babygirl looked up, blinking. “Mama....”

Mama came closer, kneeling down so they were face to face. “bubba… mama knows you need to go, you always do that when you need the potty sweetheart” mama says pointing at little one's hand resting on her lap*

Babygirl shook her head quickly, but her knees pressed together. “Nooo…”

Mama smiled, brushing her cheek with her thumb. “Mm, Mama sees it. The quiet… the wiggle… the hiding hands.”

A tiny pout. “…don’t wanna go.”

“I know,” Mama whispered kindly. “Playing is so fun. But your body’s talking to you, baby. Mama will help.”

Babygirl hesitated… again and mama knew it was too late.

“no mama…” she mumbled.

Mama opened her arms. “C’mere, bubba.”

Babygirl climbed into her, small and trusting, and Mama held her close

"Accident..." babygirl whimpered

“it's okay sweetheart” Mama murmured. “should we have a nice bath and get you back into your nappy?”

Babygirl rested her head on Mama’s shoulder, feeling safe again.

"I only little mama" mama couldn't help but smile "that's right baby, we can try the big girl potty another day sweetheart" 🎀

[mommabearbear]

Big girl 😌... maybe not

🎀 The soft glow of the tablet lit up the blankets, flickering across Babygirl’s face as she lay on her tummy, feet kicking lazily behind her. The room was otherwise dim, just the small night lamp Mama had turned on earlier, a quiet hint that bedtime had already come and gone.

Babygirl had insisted she was a big girl tonight, she didn't need help getting ready for bed, she didn't need her nappy, paci or anything she had stated. So of course mama had let her be a big girl.

“One more,” Babygirl whispered to herself, tapping the screen again. “Just one more video…”

From the hallway, Mama’s voice drifted in, calm but knowing. “Babygirl… what did I say about screens after bedtime?”

A pause. Babygirl froze, then quickly turned the brightness down as if that might make her invisible.

“…Nothing?” she tried softly.

Mama appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a look that wasn’t angry, just patient, and very, very aware.

“Mhm,” she hummed, stepping inside. “That’s funny. I remember a whole conversation about brushing teeth, washing your face, potty and being tucked in by now”

Babygirl rolled onto her back, clutching the tablet to her chest. “I was going to. I just… got distracted.”

“Distracted,” Mama repeated, sitting on the edge of the bed. Her fingers gently brushed Babygirl’s hair back. “By three more videos and skipping your routine?”

Babygirl pouted a little, eyes flicking away. “I said I wanted to be a big girl tonight…”

“I know you did,” Mama said softly. “And big girls take care of themselves before bed, don’t they?”

A small silence stretched between them.

“…I don’t wanna brush my teeth,” Babygirl mumbled. “And the water’s cold.”

Mama raised an eyebrow just slightly. “The water’s been the same temperature every night.”

“…It feels colder at night,” Babygirl insisted, squirming.

"And what happens when you don't go potty before bed?" Little one blushes "nothing happens mama, I'm a big girl" Mama let out a quiet breath, not frustrated, just deciding.

“Alright,” she said, voice a little firmer now. “If being a big girl means skipping important things and staying up past bedtime… then I think Mama needs to step in.”

Babygirl’s grip on the tablet loosened as Mama gently took it from her hands and set it aside.

“Mamaaa…” she whined softly, reaching for it again.

“No, sweetheart,” Mama said, shaking her head. “Screens are done. It’s time to get you ready properly.”

Babygirl huffed but didn’t fight as Mama held out her hand. After a moment, she slipped her smaller hand into it and let herself be guided out of bed.

The bathroom light felt brighter than it should have, and Babygirl squinted as Mama handed her the toothbrush. “Go on,” Mama encouraged. “I’ll help if you need it.”

“I don’t need help,” Babygirl muttered, though she barely started before slowing down, clearly half-hearted. Mama watched for a second, then stepped closer. “Open, please.” Babygirl hesitated… then did.

“There we go, good girl” Mama murmured, gently taking over, careful and steady. “If you want to be independent, you have to do it properly. Not rush through it.”

The fussiness melted into quiet compliance, and soon the routine continued, face washed, with only a small complaint about the water, hands dried, pajamas straightened. "Now can you be the big girl you say you are and go potty, please"

Little one pouted, she looked at the potty and then at her mama and back at the potty again, she brought her fingers to her mouth as she mumbled something. Mama gently moved babygirl's fingers away. "What was that sweetheart?"

Little one leaned forward clearly seeking comfort "I... don't like the potty" mama kissed the top of her head "you don't like the potty, baby?" Babygirl shook her head no "do you want your nappy on?" Babygirl nodded shyly "alright darling, nappy it is" mama reached for a fresh nappy from the cupboard under the sink, and quickly got little one padded.

By the time they returned to bed, Babygirl looked smaller, sleep already tugging at her eyes.

Mama tucked the blanket around her snuggly, smoothing it down. “See? All done.” Babygirl blinked up at her. “…I tried to be big.”

“I know you did, baby” Mama said, brushing her thumb gently across her cheek. “But being big doesn’t mean doing whatever you want. It means taking care of yourself, even when you don’t feel like it.”

A tiny nod. “And sometimes,” Mama added softly, leaning down, “it’s okay to let Mama take over when it gets too hard.”

Babygirl shifted closer into the pillow, voice quieter now. “…Will you stay a minute?”

“Of course.” Mama sat beside her, one hand resting lightly in her hair, slow and soothing. Within minutes, Babygirl’s breathing evened out, the earlier stubbornness replaced by soft, sleepy calm.

Mama glanced once at the forgotten tablet on the nightstand, then back at the small, peaceful face on the pillow.

“Big girl or not,” she whispered, “mama is always here.” And this time, there were no more distractions, just quiet, warmth, and sleep settling in right on schedule. 🎀