Taking a minute (or five)

So, as I was getting ready to walk out the door this morning, briefcase and breastpump in hand, my soon-to-be one year old boy, Luke, started pulling on my jacket, crying, "Mama!" I was running late -- rushing around taking care of all of the last minute stuff that occupies my mornings (cut up fruit for Luke, make sure his clothes are laid out, give diaper bag to the nanny, feed the dog) -- and thinking about my 10:30 meeting. But, the night before, I had re-read some portions of one of my favorite books: Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting, by Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn. So, I stopped. Took a minute. Focused on being completely there for him, even for just a few extra minutes. Held him on my lap, kissed his little curls, and tried to absorb all of him for a bit longer.

I still left for work, only five minutes later, and he still tugged on me -- my pant leg this time -- but I felt better. I like to think he did too.