A Little Morning Surprise April 23, 2008

I have been having a terrible time getting my buns out of bed in the morning. Prior to being pregnant, and even through a good part of my pregnancy, I loved creeping out of bed 45 minutes to an hour before the kids. Sometimes, Phil got up with me, sometimes not. Either way, I loved that time. The house was still, the coffee was hot, and I could take my time waking up. I read my Bible, sucked down a couple of cups of coffee (decaf while pregnant-I was good!), and thought through the day before the kids were downstairs. This worked beautifully for me….I am a slow waker and am useless for conversation or decision for the first 30 minutes I am awake.

Since Noah’s birth, it has been incredibly difficult for me to get up before the kids. I am sure this is largely due to the fact I have a baby that loves to cuddle during the night (as well as have a snack or two). However, I am determined to reclaim that morning quiet. Today was the big day. Phil is also trying to “reset his body clock.” As in the past, Phil and I have made it a contest to see who can get out of bed first. There is no prize other than the satisfaction of being the winner. I love this game, and it helps both of us get up.

We both managed to get up by 7:10, and I was sucking down my coffee from my preloaded coffee pot by 7:11. I settled in to read my Bible and study book. Caitey crept downstairs and snuggled up to Phil, who read the story of Gideon to her. They were having a lovely conversation about the Angel of the Lord. I was happily reading my book. Noah was quietly crawling around on the floor. Have I painted the picture for you of how peaceful, cozy and delightful this moment is?

Then, it happened. Caleb came down the stairs and said, “I had a tick in my hair-and here it is.” Ewww! Ick! I can handle a lot of things, but ticks are the creepiest, most disgusting insects around. Especially before 8 in the morning! Fortunately, Caleb was totally non-plussed by the little critter, pulled it out, brought it downstairs, and went on his way to the cereal bowl. I, on the other hand, have spent the rest of my day wondering if every little tickle I have felt was a tick!

ps-yes, we cleaned his head, but the tick had barely attached and hadn’t really done more than nick the skin. Yuck!