Last night, well yesterday in general, was one unexpected treat after another... they are just too good not to share, especially in light of my heart yesterday. Seems Someone has awoken my sleepy heart and recentered me to a place of recognition and gratitude.
This is how my day started.... my sweetest boy woke up at his normal time and Braden hung around a bit later in the morning to help me get Barrett up, changed and ready for breakfast. Can I tell you how much this boy is loving his daddy right now? Seriously, whenever Braden's around I'm chopped liver. Selfishly, part of me aches to be the center of his world, for him to want only his momma. But just when that ugly sin rears its head I see sweet Barrett light up as he races to his daddy's arms. Could there be anything more beautiful?
Braden makes a huge effort to be sure he's here nearly every morning to see Barrett and home in the evenings to play with him and put him to sleep. I all too often forget the sacrifice he makes to be home with us on a regular basis. It would be easy for him to take the travel job that offers prestige and a larger paycheck, but my love chooses to put us first.
The highlight of the morning was showing Barrett our decorated tree for the first time. Braden keeps saying that it's "his first Christmas tree" which isn't technically true, Barrett was born in October of last year, but this is the first tree he can interact with and enjoy. As soon as his feet hit the living room floor he was off in a second. Curious to see how this huge plant had been transformed into something sparkly and dripping with fun things to pull off, taste and explore. Braden and I put all our toddler-friendly ornaments on the bottom third of the tree fully expecting a casualty or two, but Barrett's been really good about the tree so far. Braden and I stood back as our first born got his first real taste of Christmas. We held hands and both mentally tucked this moment away in our hearts to remember forever, a memory too sweet to ever be forgotten.
During his nap, I got ready and had time to finally put some words into a blog. It was nice to have a venue to share my heart, a place to be vulnerable and honest. I loved how the Lord met me even there. After a bit with Him, Barrett was up and it was time for a quick snack and off to our lunch date.
I had to run an errand in a part of town that I rarely go to... well in all honesty, I had a Groupon gift certificate that was expiring this weekend and this boutique is too cute to lose such a great deal. Anyway, this store is only ten minutes down the road from Braden's office so he met us for lunch. We ate at a mexican restaurant we always go to when we're in the area and it was so good. Barrett enjoyed laughing at himself, making friends with ALL the wait staff and patrons- he was waving so hard rice was flying off his tiny fingers onto the floor and eating his weight in beans. Btw, where did this child come from? Clearly he is not his mother's child... he loves beans and yogurt and wouldn't touch cool whip with a ten foot pole... where did we find him? Once I got settled, it was fun to see Braden in the middle of the day. Such a rare treat!
Barrett fell asleep in the car so I quickly crossed all my other errands off my list and made a b-line to the house, threw him in his cribby and hopped on the computer. I had a skype date with a dear friend who has moved to a new city and is in the throes of redefining what her life and family will look like outside of Charlotte.
If my husband leaving for work a bit late and meeting us for lunch wasn't enough for one day, he rolled into the garage at 5:45 last night.... early! He was barely out of work clothes when he took Barrett and he scooted me out the door. Mommy's night off was underway. I ran to the Arboretum to look for this one ridiculously easy gift that my sister-in-law asked for that I cannot seem to find anywhere. I didn't find it, but I did run into a friend that I've been meaning to catch up with. I had time to look and take my time and not rush around worrying if I had enough snacks or how to maneuver the stroller through crazy Christmas shoppers.
It was a great night. Nice to be by myself for a little bit. I enjoyed a peppermint hot chocolate while convincing a store clerk why I needed another $10 off coupon for my purchase. I caught up with a dear friend on the phone and got to pick out my very first purchase for Baby Samuel.
As I drove home in the darkness I belted out Christmas carols in worship to the One we celebrate. Today I am grateful. Grateful for a husband who goes to extraneous lengths to put his family first, for a little boy who can't help himself but want to rip the lights right off the tree, for the tiny babe that kicks me as I write these words, for God's provision for friends and family near and far, for this season and for reminding me of what I've been given, the price it cost and to Whom I belong.
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