Checking In and Checking Out
This morning, I sat on the patio of a coffee shop, alone. Alone. I enjoyed a latte and gorgeous plate of french toast. My breakfast did not require a bib or a booster seat. There were no interruptions and no rushing to finish my food in anticipation of the “all done” sign from BabyC. It was heaven.
I wondered, why didn’t I sit alone at a coffee shop before I had a child? I should have done this every weekend! Instead, I always ordered my coffee to go and sat with it at work, often on a Saturday morning, when the lab was quiet. Maybe I would eat a scone out of a paper bag while scrolling through my email.
Isn’t that the way it always works? I thought I was too busy then to lounge at a coffee shop when in fact that is exactly what I should have been doing.
But I realize that I wouldn’t have enjoyed it then like I do now. I realize that what made this morning heaven was that it began with a good long snuggle in bed with BabyC and Husband. That girl just showers us with kisses and hugs now, and I love it. Our morning also included a nice run together, all three of us plus our dog. And then I left. Today was my day to celebrate Mothers Day, since we are traveling tomorrow. And what I wanted was time with my family and then time alone.
And gosh, it was nice. I tried to pretend that I did this every Saturday morning. Act casual, I told myself. Act like you always sip your coffee this slowly. I had sort of convinced myself until I reached into my purse for my book. Digging through my Mama baggage, I am gently reminded that this is a rare moment.
- 1 lone little red mitten
- 1 diaper
- 1 baggie of crushed animal crackers
- 3 wadded up tissues
- hand sanitizer
- 1 pair toddler socks
- baby sunscreen
- dental floss
- dog poop bag
- business cards of people I should call
- bubbles, for entertainment emergencies
Finally, that book. I read, wrote a little, and finished my coffee. Perfect morning.
In other news, we are headed out for a vacation tomorrow. We’ll be meeting up with friends and spending a week in this U.S. Forest Service cabin:I’m expecting hiking, trail running, creek-wading, board games, and free-range toddlers. No computer and no TV. It is isolated enough that I have low expectations for 3G service, and I’m signing off Facebook and Twitter and letting the blog rest for the week. I think I need this break more than I realize.
I’ll be back with stories and more science next week. Love you all, and have a great week.
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Reblogged this on latisha36 and commented:
gorgeous plate of french toast.
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Sounds idyllic – all of it – enjoy! 🙂
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My favorite rare moment as a parent: A quiet, empty house. Never happens.
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Sounds like a wonderful meal a fantastic holiday! Although I was up early with our 2-month old, while my husband entertained the 22-month old, we went back to sleep! After gymnastics and a walk for tea, the house is quiet with the toddler napping, newborn nursing, and DH making lunch. Bliss!!!
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Lovely post. We rarely appreciate what we have until it’s gone. The luxury of a quiet breakfast, alone…why is it on Mother’s Day, I always long for a reprieve from being a mother? If I weren’t a mother, I’d probably long for children, feel something was missing. It’s a good reminder to pause when we’re in the midst of a chaotic parenting moment, and think, would I miss this if it were gone? Will I look back on these moments and miss them when the kids are older? When I’m older?
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Love those quiet moments! Happy mothers day & enjoy your vacation!
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Haha! Yes, also it is funny how waiting for a doctor/dentist appt was such a drag pre-baby, but rather pleasant if you have a good book handy and a babysitter for the kids!
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A couple of years ago my husband asked me if I wanted anything special for breakfast on Mother’s Day, and I said “Yes. I want to sit down and not get up again until I’m finished eating.” Sigh. Such a treat!
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