I’m really feeling my age today. Stuff and creaky when I got up, I padded around getting the couch ready for my early morning riser.

Never sleeping past six am on days when I’m home, he opens his door slowly and I hear him call for me. Carrying his favorite blue blanket, he sits on the couch with half open eyes, demanding “puppies, snack, and sucky”

We spend almost every day together alone before everyone else gets out of bed, and while part of me wishes he’d sleep in longer, a larger part enjoys these stolen silent moments early in the day.

He’s my last, my little one, and growing so fast.

He engages me more now, while watching his show, wanting me to acknowledge him, watch what he’s watching. He tells me stories about his interests, and snuggles under my arm tightly.

I sigh deeply, breathing in the early morning and soft warm smell of sleepy child.

Each day a precious gift.