Dancing through Dishes

Some days I have hard decisions to make… push the limits of my child’s energy in order to accomplish something fun or important, or follow all of his cues and put of whatever-it-was for later.  Tonite, I decided that despite my son not having had a nap for most of the afternoon, I’d push it and join my husband for a walk with the dogs.  Then, when we got back, I pushed it some more to clean up.

By the time the water had been run for the dishes, he was pretty much finished with waiting for me.  So, out came the Ergo, and onto my back the little dude went.  He actually bounces up and down as soon as he is on my hip, he is so full of excitement about being carried.  So, onto my hip, grab the straps, swing my hips and little man is on my back. Put the straps on, clip the clip and the dishes are in process.  Well, after I put on some Drew’s Famous Pool Party Music!

Then, I start swinging my hips and washing away his determination to stay awake.  The more I wash, the farther forward I have to lean, as his head starts to sway and he starts to lean backwards.  By the time I was finished, he was out cold.  I had done the dishes, prepped his bed, cleaned the table and counters and was turning off lights.  Success!  Unfortunately, when the little dude is asleep on my back, it is hard for me to get him around and keep him asleep to lay him down.

I attempted it, as usual, but failed, as usual.  So, the peaceful Peanut was then the frustrated boy who needed swaddling and a snack to fall back to sleep.  The plus side is that since he hasn’t really had a good nap since this morning, he is likely to sleep well tonight.

Despite the additional bodily strain and the time required to care for him and put him to sleep, I maintain my opinion that it is the best job in the world.  As he laid in my arms, eyes finally closed, legs finally still, and began to grin in his dreams, I couldn’t help but realize yet again that this is such a temporary stage.  How much I do cherish it!  To be able to say I love you and have it trigger such a sweet response on his little face, even in sleep, and to know that his drifting off to sleep is aided by my singing to him, and him recognizing my love in my voice, are wonderful things!

As long as I have to, and as long as he lets me, I am more than happy to dance through dishes.  I never enjoyed them this much before!