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I decided last week that I was going to start doing the dishes in the evening rather than letting them wait until morning. That small change has given me a new perspective on my family and an added opportunity to love and appreciate my husband.

In order to do the dishes, I need to spend about 20 minutes in the kitchen directly after dinner. Soren is very clingy about that time of day but Scott has started playing with him while I work. They usually assemble legos or puzzles together on the living room floor, which is a good opportunity for Soren to demonstrate the verbal and physical prowess is developing. Scott often hurries to grab the camera and take videos of Soren's extensive babbling. I can hear them laughing and it makes me unbelievably happy.

I didn't know it would become such a precious time of day to me or I would have implement such a plan a long time ago.

After I finish the dishes, I often come sit on the living room floor with them. Scott and I curl up together and watch Soren play. It makes me so happy and grateful for my family.

Somehow that small change (doing the dishes after dinner) has cemented in place more time for all three of us to spend together before Soren's bedtime. There are only 2 hours between when Scott comes home from work and when Soren goes to sleep. And a lot of that time is taken up by eating and feeding. Yet, listening to and watching my man and my boy play together for a few minutes helps me to slow down and appreciate the time we do have together.

We are going to be together as family forever. But Soren will never be like he is today ever again. Our family is permanent but each precious moment passes so quickly, never to be regained. I'm glad Scott and Soren have some time to get to know each other every day now. And I'm glad that I've found a way to slow down and enjoy them both.
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Victoria said…
I hate doing dishes more than any other household chore...and I have finally, after 25 years of marriage, gotten to where I mostly do them at night and don't wait for morning... good habit to start now. Don't wait 25 years! I buy myself Williams-Sonoma dish soap to make the kitchen sink a friendlier place for me :)
February 12, 2009 at 6:00 PM
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