Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Ode to a Long, Hot Shower

He yawns and fusses a little in my lap, signaling his fatigue.  This is the moment I've been waiting for. I begin the dance. Up and down, back and forth, until his little head nods to my rhythm and his eyelids droop.  I settle him into the chair, turning on the vibration and gently bouncing it until his eyes close for good.

He sleeps.

I start the water running.  Hot.  As hot as I can stand it.

I shed my stained clothes and step over the barrier, my skin crawling with a mixture of chill and anticipation.  I immerse myself in the magnificent spray, letting it massage my scalp and drip down my back.  I shiver in its deliciousness.

I luxuriate under the building steam, slowly massaging the lather into my skin and hair.  I watch the suds slide down the drain, taking with them the smells of sour milk and unwashed hair. Rinsing away the sleeplessness of the previous night.

Do I have time to shave my legs?

I gently ease back the curtain and take a peek. Still sleeping.

I scrub and scrub, secretly hoping to annihilate the line of pigment that curves its way down my abdomen, and the one curiously lonely stretch mark I acquired during my first pregnancy.

Soon, too soon, it will be time to get out.  I will emerge, renewed, in a billow of steam just as the first little whimpers start.  I will quickly dry my hair and throw on my fluffy robe in time to scoop him up and drink in his special Mama smile, bright eyes, and new baby smell. 

I am at once relaxed and revitalized.  A fresh start.


9 comments:

  1. I think I feel relaxed just reading this... which is a bit creepy since its your shower and all... but from one Mommy to another, these are one of the few "me" moments we sometimes get, so go you!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Well obviously I'm okay with other moms creeping ony shower, otherwise I wouldn't have written this! ;)

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  2. Beautifully written. But there is a ban on long showers due to low water in our area... ;)

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    1. Ha, yes, forgot about that! But you're right, it's not very environmentally friendly of me. Luckily (?) they only happen once every few days.

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  3. There is no such thing like a long shower after you become a mom! It is one of the greatest luxuries in the world.

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  4. Hope you have a relaxing weekend. Enjoy your little one.

    {Stopping over from SITS}

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  5. Love this post! There are not many things better than a relaxing shower.

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  6. This was wonderful! except, it's too weird to say I felt like I was in the shower with you..??? LOL

    I always try too much. I go for the leg and armpit shave and then....crap. awake. or someone needs juice.right.now. and there I am all suds-up and with my shampoo mohawk (you did that too, right?) dripping in my kitchen. I have to learn to be content with the 2in1 shampoo/conditioner and the kids soap pump.

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