My Routine

Tom is due to arrive in Paris tomorrow morning, despite a heavy snowstorm in Chicago that we thought might sabotage his travel plans. I am so excited to have him here, and I know he is excited to finally meet and hold his granddaughter.

There's just one thing: I have developed a daily routine, and I'm quite set in my ways. I sleep until 9 or 10, have a shower and leisurely breakfast, then explore the neighborhood or go to a museum or shop. In the afternoon I go to Matt and Jeanne's apartment to help with Juliet. Our afternoons are pretty quiet, involving naps, feedings, diaper changes and stroller rides. Sometimes if we are adventurous we get in the car and go shopping in Paris. In the early evening we may go out to buy something for dinner, cook dinner and eat, and then about 10:30 I head for home on the Metro. Once back in the apartment, I fix tea, answer my email and write on my blog. Then I read until I go to sleep, usually about 2 or 2:30.

Starting tomorrow there are going to be two bodies in this small space. Did I mention that my apartment is a studio? It's one room and a bathroom. There's no place to hide. My only hope is to keep Tom on Indiana time. At home he normally gets up about 4 or 5 A.M., which is 10 or 11 A.M. here. So maybe we can work out the hours part of it. The rest of the routine will probably change, and that's OK. I'm looking forward to getting out and seeing more of the city, and with three grownups to one baby, we should be able to take Jeanne and Juliet with us. Maybe we can even take the Metro, with one adult holding Juliet, one in charge of the stroller, and one carrying the diaper/wipes/change of clothing/bottles and formula/blanket bag. Gee, this is starting to sound like fun.

I really don't like being so regimented. I'm afraid of it, actually, because I know that as we age, we tend to become less willing to take chances and to try new things. I want to always be open to new possibilities, because after all, I have a granddaughter and I must set a good example.