My toddler and I have a special relationship. I am possessive of the responsibility of putting her to bed at night. I do not give it up lightly. Tonight was especially sweet. While holding her and rocking back and forth, we said her prayer and sang a few songs. However, when I moved to lay her down, her grip suddenly tightened. She doesn't usually do that, so I assumed she wanted more songs. We sang another song, and when I moved to lay her down, she tightened her grip again. Reluctantly, she let me lay her down, but she didn't want me to leave the room. Again, a little unusual. Then, she held up her two little hands and touched her little fingers together in an upward motion. It was the signal for "Itsy Bitsy Spider." As I sang the song and did the motions, I could see, even in the dark, her giddy little face loving every minute of it. Then, and only then, was she willing to go to sleep.
This is one of several special moments that have filled our extended weekend (I had today off for Columbus Day since I work for the Federal Government). Although it is true that the little things we do to establish a good routine and teach positive things in our home make an almost imperceptible difference from day to day, there are traditions we establish for special occasions, like holidays seem to have an almost immediate and tangible effect on our family. Today, for example, we followed a Fall tradition of going to a farm in the country and riding a tractor out to the pumpkin patch to pick one pumpkin for each member of the family. We were in no hurry to do anything but enjoy our time there, looking at the animals, having a picnic, picking apples and pumpkins, riding the tractor, and enjoying a beautiful hilly countryside full of colorful fall trees. We were in such a good mood when we came home that there was absolutely no fighting--no fighting! This tradition made for a memorable experience together, something that I hope will stay with our kids as they get older.
No comments:
Post a Comment