Today I was purposefully late to preschool drop-off.

The weather is nasty here. It’s cold and rainy; the kind of weather you only enjoy when you have the option of staying home. It’s the kind of weather you actually don’t mind around Christmas time because you have an excuse to be inside and curl up by the warm fireplace and take in the glow of the tree lights. It’s the kind of weather that makes your early bird children sleep in.

Today, I didn’t wake them. I let them sleep. With adding a new baby into the family, there’s always a transition period. It’s often filled with a blur of chaotic and sometimes incoherent memories. Things have been rushed. Every day is a challenge. As much as I felt the need for a break, I thought perhaps they needed one, too. So, today I decided to just be.

I read my book with the baby in my lap before the big kids woke, and when they did eventually come downstairs, I cuddled them while watching an entire episode of Sesame Street. While they ate breakfast, I got in a full workout. I even stopped at a donut shop to get them a special treat when I decided to finally leave.

I thought about skipping school altogether. But my son with Down syndrome only gets to go twice a week and I know it’s important for his development. So, we went. But instead of rushing, instead of stressing, this morning we just were for a bit longer.

The time is approaching, and quickly, where my daughter will be in kindergarten and my son with special needs will be in public preschool. Things will get more rigorous.

So, today, I said no being on time, and yes to taking our time. Today, I decided to enjoy instead of stress. Today, I decided to soak in these quiet moments while we still can.

soaking in the moments