I don’t talk about it often enough, but I’m infinitely thankful for the role my husband plays in raising our daughter. He’s lucky enough to work from home, which means he gets to see her throughout the day. Not only does he see her, but he cares for her, loves on her, nurtures, her, teaches her. We co-parent, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As you might imagine, most days at our home begin in the kitchen. Lucy plays at the same table I played on when I was a little girl. She sorts dried beans or roasted nuts. She arranges her fruit and then asks to wipe down the table with a wet cloth. Ryan and I both make hot breakfasts each morning, which means cracking eggs, toasting bread, and waiting for our tea kettle to boil.
We often sit together on the kitchen floor. Do away with the fussiness of setting the dining room table. Lucy likes us to sit right below the sink, on our flowered rug. If we try to change the routine, she grabs our hand and beckons us over to “our spot.” Despite what we prepare for her, she ALWAYS wants to eat what’s on our plate (even if it is the same exact cinnamon roll), and so we’ve gotten really good at sharing.
I treasure these mornings because I know they won’t last forever. In a few short years, we’ll have to worry about getting to school on time. We won’t have the luxury of unscheduled hours. And so I’m cherishing it…and I’m so very happy to share my cinnamon roll, or breakfast taco, or bagel with Lulu. I know Ryan is too.
awwwwww I loooove this post!! Sweet little Lu!!!
So adorable!! 🙂
When I was little, my mom was in nursing school and working full time. My dad was a graduate student and then a professor, so he had a lot more flexibility with his schedule. He ended up being the one home with us most of the time and I think having so much “dad parenting” gave me a really healthy view of men/women and relationships.
Oh, you are so wise!! These years travel all too quickly and before you know it these special moments are lost in a flurry of homework papers and lost shoes, or worse yet, they move on to college and then you find yourself alone in the kitchen!
She’s growing so fast. Don’t you just love this age? I think it was one of my favorites as they grew up. She’s just a love!
Sweet story and even sweeter little girl! Lulu’s a lucky one to have parents like you!
A very sweet tradition! Love that you just eat on the floor. No pretense, just fun.
This sounds like such a beautiful routine, what a lovely way to remember this time!
Oh yeah, I hear you on the shared food! I can make scrambled eggs, put some in my bowl and some in my daughter’s (22 months) and she will only eat out of my bowl. With my fork, because mine is obviously better. She knows that I’ll eventually dump her bowl into mine, so she preemptively helps me with that. Sometimes feeding her our food is the only way to get her to eat.
Big smiles!!! : D
Ah, that’s so sweet. I love how you are recording all these precious moments and rituals. Something you will cherish for your years to come… but in the meantime, yes, live it. You’re so very right about how quickly time rolls along… enjoy every stage, xx
Gaaaaaah, this post is the sweetest, Monet! I love that Lucy will grab your hands and guide you back to your spot if you’re not sitting there. You have the loveliest family! And these photographs are beautiful.
I can remember feeling the same way in the mornings with Mia. We would sit on the floor of her room and play. I loved that we didn’t have anywhere to be. Now we have preschool, but only 2 days a week, so I still get to appreciate our slow mornings.
I love this peek into your mornings. It is so intimate.
SO many wonderful stages in a child’s life. I’m glad you’re savoring every one. Hope you three had one terrific Thanksgiving! xo
WOW! What great pictures. So amazing Monet! You will have such sweet memories from all these amazing pictures!