Early mornings carry in spry toddler feet that always stop right before my spot in the bed. No matter how much my mind refuses, my day starts when Chunky wants it to.
The best alarm clock in the world I think.
He lightly taps on my forehead and I fight to open my eyes; that even through their puffiness I can see his smile hidden behind his soother.
I take in a big breath and think to myself “Today will be different” and I immediately I get swept in his happiness.
He gives me a sense of hope in today.
Every morning starts out the same. We promptly eat breakfast at his grumbled belly’s request. We indulge in picking out more marshmallows from the cereal box. Whoever says sugar isn’t a part of a healthy balanced breakfast has never tried Lucky Charms.
They also missed the memo that sugar fuels the soul at 6:30 am.
From there we change, wash faces, brush teeth and then make our way in the yard. Taking an early walk has become our morning ritual. Just the two of us, fresh summer winds, and birds singing as Chunky skips along…perfection.
He reminds me to stop and observe our surroundings no matter how mundane.
He reminds me that the only thing I have to think about is being in this moment with him and Scooby-Doo.
And that’s all that’s important in the here and now.
When we get home we usually stay in the yard. I drink my only cup of coffee of the day while Chunky busily chases the dog around.
There may or may not be bubbles and swinging.
Either way, it’s perfect.
This has become my favourite time of day.
My illness hasn’t gotten the best of me yet.
I feel more like myself.
More like the Mom and person I’m always supposed to be.
All because of him and the way he wakes me up in the morning.
Every morning is a new day my sweet.
Thank you for teaching me that.
Love you always.


































That is an awesome way to start the day! I am so happy to hear things are looking up! Big hugs!
[Reply]
Oh that’s awesome! I love the way your mornings sound, it’s just perfect, even if it starts at 6.30am.
[Reply]
So thrilled you’re beginning to feel more like your usual self!
[Reply]
I love when the mornings start off nice and peaceful like this. Instead of all grumpy pants. Mea could take a lesson from Chunkey.
[Reply]
What a wonderful ritual
You are a fabulous mom!
[Reply]
Sounds like an excellent way to start the day.
[Reply]
awwww !!! that’s so sweet ! its awesome that you have such a great start to the day
don’t let anything get you down – and even if it does – remember Scooby-Doo to the rescue
[Reply]
I love his baby blues and his sweet smile. Sounds like your mornings are wonderful. Can I come live where you are? I want sunshine!
[Reply]
What a lovely way to start the day! While some people may be irritated at the wake-up – I love that you embrace it! How could you not with that sweet face looking at you?
[Reply]
What a wonderful morning! Most moms envy me because my kiddo sleeps until 10 or 11 but what thye dont know, is that I WANT to be up early! I love it! If only she would get up earlier and go to bed earlier…
[Reply]
Love it! What a great way to start off on the right foot…or running foot as it looks like he just took off in that first picture. He is a doll!
[Reply]
Sounds like a super way to start off the day. I have to say that I am totally jealous of ritual that you and Chunky (and Scooby) have. I love and admire that you have such a great perspective of things. I know it’s hard some days, but it really seems like to try super hard to stay ground. Good for you!
[Reply]
Chunky is beautiful. He starts your day the same way Damian starts mine. I love all my kids, but my little guy, who isn’t even the youngest, knows how to make me forget my troubles (when he’s not causing mischief, that is). At 10am Damian and I head out everyday. There’s a fenced outdoor private parking lot fenced on the corner of our block with wildgrass growing and we always have to stop and check out the grass, as we walk, we have to stop to look at any and all buses and cool trucks that pass by. we must always go east cause that’s where the train is and Damian has to check on the train to make sure it has batteries and isn’t stuck on the track. He’s 3. He has his priorities and things that must be done every morning. so we do them and it’s just awesome.
[Reply]
Isn’t it wonderful how children remind us of the MOST important things when we need it most?
As much as my children can drive me batty, they always know when I need a hug, when I need to be told that they love me, and when it’s ok to climb in bed with me and snuggle in close…
[Reply]
This post is top notch! It tops everything else you’ve ever written because it brings you into the mundane and shines down on you with glittery shiney sparkly-ness. I love ya!
[Reply]
I love this. And I think we need a beautiful routine like this to start our day too!
[Reply]
Love this. That’s the perfect way to start a day, even if it is super early! Glad to hear you’re enjoying it as well! xo
[Reply]
You have been given such a wonderful soul. Just what you needed in your life.
[Reply]
My 2 youngest wake me up in a similar way and, even though I’d love a bit more sleep, it’s a good way to start the day.
[Reply]
Chunky is TOO CUTE with his little bucket hat. Can I eat him? PLEASE let me eat him.
[Reply]
This is awesome and happy-making. Really, I’m in awe that you can do this in the morning. Just wait for my post tomorrow – I’m the worst morning mother ever.
[Reply]
You and Chunky are very lucky to have each other. Your mornings sound wonderful.
[Reply]
He is so gorgeous! And I cannot believe how structured you are able to make the day with him… I’m jealous!
[Reply]
Exactly as it should be.
[Reply]
beautiful! Chunky looks happy as can be. I’m, however, feeling a little guilty since i don’t brush Solo’s teeth in the morning usually. oops.
[Reply]
xoxo
[Reply]
Beautiful! He has enough energy for all of us! lol
[Reply]
only one cup of coffee…how do ya do it?
My youngest wakes me up the same way…so so sweet! Cute pictures
[Reply]
He is just precious! That grin would make my day start happy too. It’s great that you treasure these moments. Lots of love to you and Chunky!!
[Reply]
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:
My children save my life every day.
*****************
Hey, girlygirl: gave you a shout out on my blog today, awesome canadians I know.
[Reply]
Chunky is so good for you in so very many ways.
[Reply]
Chunky is seriously the CUTEST little boy, love these pictures, and I love what he gives you…what he “WAKES UP” in you.
xoxo
[Reply]
Aw, that is so sweet,you brought back memories of mornings when mine were small: )Love the name of your blog too! Stopped by thru Alexandra because I’m a big time Canadian groupie too!
[Reply]
Sounds like a beautiful way to start everyday!
[Reply]
Thank God for children and their perspective!
[Reply]
Can I borrow your little boy so I can remember to stop and smell the roses, too? Loved this post. Stopping by from The Red Dress LinkUP.
[Reply]
This is so beautiful. And I’m jealous. I’m not there yet. But I’m glad you are.
[Reply]
Very sweet! He looks like a fun kid:) My daughter is five now, and our routine is much the same. I’m so thankful I have her to remind me of all the important things in life, like picking dandelions and squealing over butterflies. I don’t know what I’ll do when she starts kindergarten this fall. Enjoy your toddler time as much as you can!
[Reply]
This. is a really. lovely. post. What a beautiful smile on Chunky. Really, all you need in the morning is this little fella and Scooby, to set you straight.
[Reply]