I have a confession: I really take exception to those who are older and wiser who tell us to appreciate these days when our kids are little because the time goes by so fast. I’m sorry. I know that statement is one of the most popular bits of advice for new moms. I just think the more mature moms have forgotten how hard these days of tedium and monotony can be.

That being said, I will say that I am trying to find the little things my kids say and do that can bring joy to each day.

The other day I went for a walk with my preschooler and toddler. This means trying to figure out how to keep up with my preschooler who runs ahead, yet not getting too far ahead of my dawdling toddler. My patience with both children was wearing a little thin.

This was the moment when my toddler came to a complete halt and pointed up excitedly and repeatedly. He is at the stage where he absolutely will not move on until you have acknowledged the exact thing he wants you to notice. With a sigh, I looked up at the building to see what he saw.

On a wire hanging down from the building, he noticed a bird. It wasn’t even that spectacular a bird. Just a black bird clinging to a wire. “Yes. I see the bird,” I sighed hoping we could now move on to catch up with my daughter. As we watched, the bird took a flying leap, lifted up a dryer vent flap and hopped in. Gradually I became aware that there were babies chirping inside the vent.

I never would have known that a bird had cleverly created a nest inside that dryer vent if my son hadn’t stopped me and made me pay attention.

I’m very glad that the bad moments can be balanced by precious moments like this one.