Morning Rituals

Mornings are a special time around these parts. Generally, daddy has already left for work by the time I have to get Drew up and ready for school. I love our rituals and the sweetness that comes with a happy toddler to start my day.

Sometimes I think he can hear my alarm go off, but sometimes I think he's just so in tune with me that he wakes when I do. There's no crying, no whining, nothing. The only sound I hear is a gentle "hi, mommy" over and over because he knows I'm just down the hall in the bathroom and can hear him. He patiently waits for me to come and give him his hug and kiss before opening the blinds and curtains so that we can watch the kids walking to school.

We point out birds and squirrels, count how many children we see, pick out colors and squeal in delight when a school bus passes by. Then he grabs an animal as I gently lift him up while nibbling his cheeks even more. We talk about how we slept and what we dreamed about while I get him changed for the day. There's no rushing, no squirming, nothing but a happy routine. He knows he gets to go to school and that mommy will be back at the end of the day to pick him up. Once shoes are on, he takes his animal back and tosses him in the crib after a hug and kiss, followed by saying 'night night' to all of the others. Sometimes I even hear him say things like "Drew go to school, you stay here and go sweep" to them. Adorable, right?

I love our morning rituals.