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.