Vanessa isn't lacking in time with Mommy, but I love when we're able to do extra special things together. It's hard to justify breakfast out on a normal day, so it was an awesome treat yesterday. She's a different person when we do things alone -- so grown up. As we waited on our food she sat up tall, crossed her arms and asked "So what did you do today, Mommy?" I reminded her that we spent the morning playing at the park. :) On our way home from there, Vanessa was the one to ask if we could go to a "restaurant." She asked so sweetly "Please . . . " We happened to be driving by First Watch, so I asked, "Vanessa, would you like pancakes?" Her eyes lit up as she exclaimed "Yes!" She's very good about placing her order too: "I would like pancakes with blueberries, please." She's a picky eater but she loves pancakes and waffles.
While there we searched for letters on the kid page. And we talked about various things. I thought about how well she eats at 10:30 in the morning. I then thought about how on a regular basis her Pappaw spent the last decade of his life going to Bob Evans to have pancakes and coffee. He also made it a habit to go around 10 or so in the morning. His table was always ready for him, as were his coffee and friendly waitresses. To go with Dad was an extra special treat for him. How neat to think Vanessa is unknowingly carrying on his tradition, even if not on a daily basis.
