taking time to savour the moment

The "bed time" routine in our home . . . well it could use a little improvement. Some days - like when Peanut was severely jet-lagged - go beautifully. She would actually ask if she could go to bed. [twist my arm - okay, go for it]. Other days, she will do anything to postpone the inevitable - even if for only for 1-2 minutes.

It's usually pans out like this:

*Mom, let's just relax and cuddle on the couch for a minute first.
*Mom, tell me a story from your childhood.
*So what was the best thing about your day today?
*What's your favorite food?
*What's your favorite animal?
*{and it goes on & on} . . . .

Most nights [when it's a reasonable [within 30 minutes of bed time] - I "cave" - meaning - I answer my dear sweet daughter's questions. [PLEASE note: she very rarely asks me anything of this nature before 8:30pm - I am not being mean, I just see a pattern here.]

So fast forward to last night. 9:25pm [keep in mind - this is 55 minutes late to bed in our home].

Peanut: Mom - want me to rub your feet?
Me: Yes - tomorrow at 7:30pm - I'll bring the lotion to you.
Peanut: No Mom. Tonight. Well then, tell me another story from your childhood.
Me: Ellie it's so late - ask me in the morning. I'll think of something really good while I'm sleeping.
Peanut: awwwe Mom - come on!!
Me: Get to bed "on-time" - I'll tell you all the stories you want.
Peanut: fine [this is not my favorite reply - but I'll take it tonight]

[kisses all over the face - {routine} - forehead, chin, nose, cheek, cheek, mouth]

Me: See you in the morning. Love you.
Peanut: Mom - come back. Sit down on my bed.
Me: Ellie - it's late. [I'm thinking there was something like an eye roll right here] - I ...
{she interrupts}
Peanut: Mom? Do you know how much I love you?
Me: [can feel the tears forming] Yes, Ellie - you show me how much you love me everyday. I love you.
Peanut: please don't go - I need to read you something......[leans over pulls out, "Mama, do you love me?"]

She proceeds to read the entire book to me - slowly and calmly - hitting each punctuation perfectly - with such meaning. Closes the book - looks at me and says. "Mom, just want you to know, I know how much you love me."

So today - I am thankful. Thankful for my peanut. Thankful for her tenderness. Thankful for her persistence. Thankful she stopped me and had me chill out about "time" and running "late" and enjoy this tender moment with my girl. I will remember it always.