Staying Connected

My caboose kiddo and I have a basic morning routine.

Her dad usually gets the day started, making sure we're both up and at 'em. He's the early riser in the family, not because he wants to be, but because he has to be.

We trade off breakfast duty. Sometimes I man the toaster oven. Sometimes Dad does. I, however, always double-check the clothes selection of the day. I also always do Christa's hair.

By 7:30 AM, things are usually pretty well settled. Christa's fed. Her teeth and hair are brushed. Her backpack stands by the door, next to her coat. Christa asks for a few minutes of television while we wait for the carpool to show up. I sit on the steps in the hallway, watching for her ride.

Why is she sitting in the family room while I'm sitting in the foyer?

It's only a few minutes, I know. But why are we spending those minutes apart?

This morning, I called to Christa to come sit with me on the steps.

"You want to read the comics with me?"

"Sure! That would be fun!" Christa said.

She snuggled up next to me and we picked out her favorite comics: Family Circle and Mutts and even Pearls Before Swine. We shared a couple of giggles--and I didn't mind that I had to stop reading the sports section. It'll be there later.

I think we've just added something new to our morning routine.