The Rhythm Of Our Days: Non-Kindy Quiet Time

The hours following lunchtime are ones I always look forward to both for the peaceful ambiance that transcends upon our household and for the precious one on one time it allows me with my big girl on non-kindy days.

Once lunchtime is over, faces and hands are washed and both little girls retreat to their bedrooms for naptime/quiet time.  Sophie clutches her 'baby' (doll), stuffed lamb and Peppa Pig toy in her arms and insists on us both cradling one of them while singing 'rock a bye baby' together before I tuck her into bed. Grace keeps herself busy drawing and creating, dressing Barbie Dolls or playing with her stuffed toys.  I immediately flick the kettle on and make a cuppa, sitting in front of the computer as I sip whilst browsing blogs, checking email or editing photos.  A quietness washes over the house as we all recharge.

Not long after I've finished my tea, Grace comes to find me, emerging from her room wearing a plethora of dress-up costumes of varying colours and styles.  She is eager to spend time with me and knowing next year, we will no longer have this opportunity when she is at pre-primary, I am more than willing to oblige. We take our vintage copy of The Enchanted Wood outside and sit in the sunshine as I read aloud to her, throwing the ball to Asha every now and then as she drops it in front of our book, desperate for a play mate.  Sometimes, we follow our reading sessions with a tea party.  Other times we work on a sticker book together or play a game.  If I have a load of washing to hang out, I have a keen helper.  If Grace has a task to complete for kindy, I'll help her out.  These simple moments together are ones I've come to treasure.  

Our quietness comes to an end when a little voice can be heard calling out from her room, "Mummy open door!... Gacie, open door!" and then, we ready ourselves for afternoon tea and the few hours left until Daddy comes home....