If stepping on a Lego is the pinnacle of pain as a parent, the dreaded bedtime routine is a close second.

How can it take 20 minutes to floss your teeth?

Deep breath, Carrie.

As I was saying, at least in our house, the bedtime routine is excruciating. Chuck and I are wiped out and ready for bed ourselves when suddenly Cody finds an energy reserve previously unknown to man.

And just wants to chat. And chat. And chat.

I have to admit, I haven’t always kept my cool.

Because really, how can it take 20 minutes to floss your teeth?!

I was too tired a few nights ago to ride the bronco (our expression for the bedtime routine), so took my phone and laid down on my bed to read an ebook while Cody flossed…because I had 20 minutes to kill.

Into my room walked Cody, talking around the flosser in his mouth. He climbed up onto my bed and laid down next to me, chatting the whole time.

At which point, it dawned on me just how lucky I am that my teenager still wants to be around me. That he just wants to chat during his bedtime routine. That he still loves to cuddle next to me.

I rolled onto my back and reached for Cody’s free hand. He then contentedly wiggled closer to me while flossing…and chatting.

Sometimes we take photos to document birthdays, weddings, or vacations.

A few nights ago, I decided to take a photo of my child lying next to me while he chatted and flossed. Because flossing only took mere minutes and then the moment was gone.

“We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake.”

Marie Beynon Ray