This morning as I climbed out of bed after a not so restful night with the baby and my husband and I rattled off our respective to do lists I found myself wanting nothing more than to climb back in bed and just cuddle our daughter. I wanted to see her smile and just enjoy a few minutes of peace sans demands.
I climbed into the shower and could not help but focus on still not feeling one hundred percent after being ill last week. My husband and I rushed around as our daughter watched patiently from her bouncer seat. As I was thinking of the blog that needed written and breakfast needing made and once again the growing to do list something occurred to me. One of the things I am most grateful for in regards to my grandpa was taking the time every Tuesday to have dinner with him. No matter how busy the week got or how many clients begged for that time slot, it was Grandpa's. I will never regret the money I didn't make while with Grandpa because that time cannot be replaced. I looked at my daughter, still waiting patiently in her seat, her face still covered in glitter from a shirt she wore yesterday and milk spitup on her chin. This was one of those sliding door moments.
I changed course. I helped my husband get the dogs ready and then instead of sitting down to my blog and simultaneously cooking breakfast; I went back upstairs. I filled the tub much to my daughter's excitement. Bath time is one of her favorite times and we do not have a regular routine for it yet. She kicked and grinned and cooed to me as she watched me getting out her washcloths and supplies. And oh how she smiled when I put her in the water!
My daughter's smile is contagious. It is one of the best sights in the world. It is second only to her coos and beginnings of baby laughs that completely melt my heart. I did not rush as I bathed my sweet child. I did not rush as I came downstairs and fed her. I may be a little behind but today just needed time for smiles, and I chose to allow that time. I will never regret that as it is time with my daughter who is growing up too fast.
I'm so grateful to allow time for smiles. I'm grateful to just pause and put things in perspective. I'm grateful for every moment I spent with my grandpa. I'm grateful to take time with my daughter today. I'm grateful that my husband and I are a team but also a strong support system for each other. I'm grateful to be gentle with myself and my family this week and take a little extra time for our care.
What can you make time for today? What are your sliding door moments and how will you choose to respond? Will you take the time to make the memories you'll cherish?
May today remind us our real priorities. May we take the opportunities we can to create the memories we'll cherish. Have a beautiful day!