Days like today wipe away (nearly) all memory of the horribleness of the past few weeks.

Today Jude smiled, laughed, talked, sang, danced, played, napped, read, ate, and loved–a lot. He whined and cried very, very little. Today was Josh’s day off. We spent time together as a family; Josh took Jude out for a while to give me some down time; Jude and I played at the park while Josh played Ultimate. Everyone’s needs were met today, and it was wonderful.

The muffin tin snack tray I assembled for Jude this morning was a huge hit. I filled the twelve compartments with the following yummy snacks: fresh blueberries, strawberries, apples pieces, and grapes, cheddar bunnies, sunflower seeds, raisins, hummus, carrot sticks, cucumber chunks, pita pieces, and chopped almonds. Some of the items were devoured immediately (blueberries and strawberries) while others are still waiting to be consumed (carrot sticks), but the tray, as a whole, served its purpose-it allowed Jude to assert his autonomy and eat as he needed to. It also helped ward off pre-meal meltdowns.

For the first time in weeks, I’m honestly able to say that I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I have a trip to the library planned, and it looks like the weather will be suitable for outdoor play. I’ve already prepped the ingredients for the soup I’m going to make tomorrow, and I have leftover in the fridge for lunch.

Do you feel that? That’s the feeling of pure bliss.