My Grant Time

I am a working mom. I always thought this would define me in a different way than it has, probably because Jonathan's efforts have allowed me to maximize my Grant time.

First, Grant wakes me up around 6am, sometimes with giggles and kicks (when he was lucky enough to share our bed for part of the night) and other times with some loud sighs that clearly communicate his anxiety over having to wait for my attention. I quickly assume the position (I love breastfeeding when I am not in a hurry!) and then play with him. He is so fun in the mornings! His eyes are bright and blue, my antics are somehow more entertaining, his laugh is fuller, his curious energy more engaging. I am no longer a bleary-eyed morning mess (most of the time) because I can't help but engage myself in following his interest as it bounces around the room. "Oh, look! A ceiling fan with wobbly lights! Wow--do you see that interesting swatch of fabric on the bedspread? No way! I've never seen that worn out section of the headboard before!" He is sitting up by himself now, so the world has opened up to him in entirely new ways and there simply aren't enough seconds in the day to cover the territory.

I take a break to shower while he plays with Daddy, and then Grant helps me pick out my outfit for the day. (That way I have someone else to blame for any fashion faux pas). We then share a Daddy-made breakfast together, Grant sitting on my lap determinedly attempting to examine the contents of each forkful while I correspondingly get an arm workout juggling him, a plate, and a fork. It is an ingenious way to burn calories even as they are consumed!

After saying our family prayer and sharing kisses all around (his are becoming much wetter these days) I leave for work, knowing Grant will be taking his morning nap in only a half hour or so.

By 10:30, Jonathan and I have chatted on the phone and I've had 20 people in the office ask about Grant's well-being. I don't mind all the chances to share my love for this amazing little person! Around noon, Jonathan and Grant come to visit me at work. Sometimes we go to the Temple, sometimes we go to the park, sometimes we go out to eat, but every time we get to spend a dedicated hour together as a family. I get to nurse Grant again and share in some more of his giggles, and then I'm back to work.

Around 2:30 or so, Jonathan and I chat again making dinner plans. The next several hours go by so quickly with my students that before I know it, I am once again pulling into my parking spot at home. Grant and Jonathan will often meet me at the door. There is no better vision than seeing them happy to see me! We greet warmly, and Grant and I sit down to chat while Jonathan serves dinner. I get about an hour of playtime with Grant before he starts to tell me he's ready for bed. He gives me a bath (I always thought it should be the other way around) and then we go upstairs for some fresh PJs. Daddy comes and reads the Book of Mormon with us (the Baby Board book version) and we say prayer, and then Grant curls into my arms. He knows what's next--a warm meal, soft lullabys, rocking back and forth into sweet slumber. I hold him in my arms for many moments after sleep has taken him, enjoying his fresh baby scent and the way his little hands have stayed firmly woven into my blouse, holding me close. Eventually I concede to time, and place him in his crib. His eyes will open for just a moment and his hand will rest on mine as he confirms that he's safe, and then his head rocks to the side in silence.

I am 'blessed' with two more such sessions around 2am and 4am, until we start all over again. I am not sure why I've been blessed with such a wonderful child, but I treasure my time with him!