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Tonight as I sat at the kitchen table painting my 5 year old and 3 year old daughter’s nails I had flashbacks to another life. A life before kids. I’ve always been able to grow my nails out and before my son came along I took pride in my do-it-yourself manicures. I often painted my nails 2-3 times per week, changing colors with my moods. I had time to doodle little designs and apply rhinestones or decals. I didn’t have to worry that someone else’s needs would become more important than ruining my nail polish.
It’s been over six years since my first baby was born. Since then I’ve probably only painted my nails a handful of times. Do I miss it? Not really. That pre-child luxury has been replaced with so much more. Now I’ve got two little princesses that love having their tiny nails painted by their mommy. I’ve got more important things to tend to. Things that matter. But tonight at their request, I indulged. As their manicures were drying and they were sitting quietly still at the table watching an episode of Agent Oso on the Disney Jr. app I gave myself a paint job to match both of theirs. “Oooh! Pretty, Mommy!” And it was. The blue and green glitter over black went on smoothly just as it used to back in the day. I still had the technique down. Now we’ll all be supporting the Seahawks on game day!
It was nice to re-visit an old past time but it just isn’t practical at all for my current life. I couldn’t take the rest of the night off for my nails to dry and I messed a couple of them up but I got to spend time getting pretty with my girls. It’s the time spent together that matters the most. This manicure might not make it until game day but this simple little memory will probably be something my girls will remember for quite awhile. “Hey, Mommy! Remember when we painted our nails for the Seahawks game?” Yes. Yes, I do. And I’m glad we did.
Can you remember any pre-child luxuries? Do you miss them?