I finished my croissant and peeked into her stroller.
She looked at me through impossibly long lashes.
A toothless smile spread across her face when she saw me.
Checking my watch, I saw we had some time.
I reached in and unbuckled her, lifting her out.
Watched her stretch, arching her chubby body and sticking her bottom out, hands behind her head.
She looked around, taking in the people and the display case and me.
We were in a small bakery, the kind that sells fancy pastries and handmade candy and gourmet prepared food to go.
The perfect place for a mom-daughter date.
I sat her on my lap and kissed her, breathing in the sweet smell of milk and baby shampoo.
Adjusted her t-shirt to cover her exposed tummy.
The employees smiled as they saw her, an instinctive reaction to a happy baby looking at them.
As patrons passed our table, they stopped to ask her age, to tell me she is beautiful.
To share the stories of their own children, to reminisce about hair growth and sleeping patterns and weight gain.
Little old ladies reliving their magical memories.
And listening to mine.
I beamed, a mother’s pride and love emanating from within.
These moments in which I can focus only on her are special, rare.
No distractions or chores, no work or errands.
A mother and daughter sharing a mid-morning moment, while her brother was at school.
Just the two of us.
As wonderful as family time is, sometimes its nice to have one-on-one time with your children. How did you find time to be with each of your children, alone?
Oh, I love one on one time. I don’t get much of it, really. I get a little more with D, because A goes to school. Now I want a mother-daughter date
It was really lovely. Such a special thing, you know?
I used to ask for one-on-one time with each kid for Mother’s Day every year. Very rarely got it but really that’s what I wanted. It’s so hard to find that time. Now that they are all in their 30s that is still what I would like. Really. Might have to write a “hint” post
What a great idea. I think I”m going to borrow it!
Your description of her stretching made me ache for another baby. And I love how once you’ve had a child of your own, seeing a baby in public always brings it right back. So sweet.
ML@My 3 Little Birds recently posted..Why You Should Give Your Toddler More Credit
I love, love, love the stretch. It’s such a perfect thing.
i get one on one time with StinkBug (my newly turned 5 yr old) while the older 2 are in school. I don’t get more than a few minutes with the other two but plan on changing that when our situation changes.
Robbie recently posted..Having My Day in Court
I really treasure that time. It’s so special.
I love the one on one time but with the little ones at home I rarely get that. I do try to take one of them out alone when my husband is home, but it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like.
Kimberly recently posted..A Little Something For You
I tried taking my son this weekend, but it wasn’t the same. I felt like he was missing out on “whole family” time. It’s hard to find the opportunity.
Right now, I have loads of one-on-one time with the toddler. I hope I can make time for both one-on-one when the baby is here! (wish me luck)
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Three Feet Off The Ground
I’m sure you’ll find a way. And enjoy your time with him now!
This sounds like it should become a regular outing for you two.
JDaniel4s Mom recently posted..Read.Explore.Learn.-Valentine’s Day
I think you’re right–it was really special!
I absolutely love it when they do that when you pick them up…swoon. Love.
I still have just the Chunk man. Actually, we’ve been going on dates more often since he’ll be starting school in September
Kimberly recently posted..Wanna Do It?
Enjoy this time before he starts school–it’s so special.
What a beautiful moment together- the first of many!
Galit Breen recently posted..Inch by Inch
It really was. Thank you, Galit.
I was so frustrated when my two boys’ schools didn’t have their two-day schedules aligned. One was M-T, the other T-Th. Since I work on Tuesday, it would be ok, but I mourned the loss of a possible second day all to myself. The errands I could run! The naps I could have!
Instead, I get one beautiful day a week with each boy while his brother is in school. Sometimes not getting what we think we want is the best gift.
Jessica@Team Rasler recently posted..Inferior
That sounds like such an awesome schedule. Wow. Lucky you–and them!
I miss the cuddly little bodies with their tiny bums sticking out.
The newborn smells and sweet sounds.
Wonderful.
Leighann recently posted..A Close Second!
Oh, I can relate to this so much. Dropping off big brother at preschool gave me small amounts of time with my girl, and I treasured it. And now that I’ve dropped him off at college, we have tons of time together…and I love having that.
I wish I would run into you in a bakery!
Sherri recently posted..The Long Goodbye