Quality Time

Back in September, I went on a short travel trip to Leesburg, VA. And to be honest, I had mixed feelings about this trip. I was honored to be selected by my manager to attend the annual off site finance meeting (as my manager only takes two staff persons with her); on the other hand, I wasn't eager to be away from Camden for 3 nights and 4 days. Just in the last few months has Camden spent a night at a time away from me. It has been with my mom and I had seen him immediately before bedtime or shortly after he awakes in the morning. This time, you see, it would be different - remember - this is for 3 nights and 4 days.

I learned about this trip in early August and didn't give it too much thought but as mid-September approached, oh how I dreaded the upcoming trip. I cried, and cried, and cried the day I left (although I'm thankful Camden was not home when I left - instead he was enjoying a trip to Holiday World with Pappy, Nana, Aunt Allie, and Uncle Miles). I returned 3 days later and realized that Camden didn't miss a beat in my absence. When your child has fun, even if it is without you, it makes your heart happy. And, I returned a refreshed Mommy with loads more of patience and lots more attentiveness to the quality of time I spend with my son.

I have discovered a fun activity that allows me to include Camden in my favorite hobby - scrapbooking. I sat him up on a stool bellied up to the scrap table, set-up the Cricut to cut fun basic shapes that Camden is familiar with, guided him through pushing the buttons on the Cricut, and allowed him to peel the shapes from the Cricut mat, gave him a glue stick, and allowed him to make a special card for 4 of his favorite people. He picked the shapes he desired, the colors of paper he desired and I allowed him to paste were he desired. While this was fun learning experience for him and an enjoyable, easy craft for me, my favorite part was when he delivered his cards to the recipients. His face shined and he was so proud of his accomplishment.


This quality time is what I oftentimes miss out on.