Bedtime Baby
Bedtime...... What a glorious time of day. It is throughout this daily ritual that I have the opportunity to spend a few quiet moments with each child. Some days it is just about getting done so I can revel in the freedom of little responsibility. Other days, these days being more than the first stated I realize more than ever how rewarding raising children can be.
Within my home, I have made it a tradition to rock the babies at bedtime each night. This lasts till 3ish depending on the child. Never do they fall asleep in my arms but I steal the unique moment in their life.
Baby number 4 has rarely wanted to be snuggled like a typical baby would. She wanted to face outward and greet the world. She preferred just to be put to bed, no fuss. To my pleasure, she now enjoys the short-lived snuggle. I turn her fan and music on (yes in a house with 3 other children, 5 during the daytime she needs both). I face her towards me and wrap the blanket around her. The very moment the blanket hits her soft skin she nestles in as close to me as possible with her head cradled into my chest. I breathe in her invigorating scent, I count the slow deep breaths, and we sing. I am not sure of the words to the first lullaby the CD plays but neither of us cares. Some days she sings along with me, others she just lays still. Often when the first song ends, a time or two after the second song, she leans back against my body and looks at her crib. I take my cue and lay her gently down. I wrap her completely in the blanket and turn her leapfrog on 10-minute bedtime songs. The first song is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. As I serenade her once again she smiles and reaches for the pink baby by her side. I then hug the baby and dance with it until she either hands me the green bear or reaches for the baby. The baby kisses her for a time or two. As the song ends I kiss my hand and put it to her face. Within the last week, she has begun attempting to blow me a kiss. She laughs, I laugh and smile, turn, and promptly exit the room feeling like one lucky Mama. As the door closes she cries for 2-5 minutes and drifts off to sleep.
Number 3 is nearly 5 and the mere mention of bedtime causes him to quickly retort, "Come to me first Mommy." As a small child, he loved to cuddle and rock in the glider. Now he climbs under the covers and has his two blankies set up just right. One has a spot similar to my childhood blanket, a few small holes, and previously a string that he demanded one day be cut off. This part must be on the top of all blankets closest to his face. Next, will tell me stories, and ask me questions whatever he can think of to keep me there as long as possible. Sometimes these quips are hilarious and others just silly. I then give him a hug and a kiss, high-five each other, and a "snug as a bug in a rug". This actually stems from the movie Hope Floats, where Sandra's character does it to her daughter.
On I head to Number 1 whose room is at the bottom of the steps. He has always enjoyed the mommy time over the years. At the ripe age of 9, we still read together. Only now it is the children's "The Book". This summarizes in child language every chapter of every book in the Bible. We pray and then off I head to number 2.
Number 2 is last because her room is farthest away and she is most patient. Over the years our time has evolved from rocking, singing, and cuddling to reading books, dancing, and/or singing. Currently, we are reading a book called "The Secret Garden". I would love to whisk it away and read ahead but she treasures the book in her bed. She and I snuggle beneath the sheets. Like her sister, the proximity and touch make all the difference. If I ever need to feel with my body and not with words a picture of true love this is the moment.
As I shut her door and turn off the light I feel lucky. Lucky that God gave me the gift of carrying and raising 4 wonderful children. Blessed to have a home they have their needs met, bellies full, and be safe just to be kids. Up the stairs around the corner to my room where some days my husband awaits. Other days I finish the day's work and have a friend to call far away. Whichever I can rest assured that however the day began it ended with me taking the time to let each know how very much I love them.
Within my home, I have made it a tradition to rock the babies at bedtime each night. This lasts till 3ish depending on the child. Never do they fall asleep in my arms but I steal the unique moment in their life.
Baby number 4 has rarely wanted to be snuggled like a typical baby would. She wanted to face outward and greet the world. She preferred just to be put to bed, no fuss. To my pleasure, she now enjoys the short-lived snuggle. I turn her fan and music on (yes in a house with 3 other children, 5 during the daytime she needs both). I face her towards me and wrap the blanket around her. The very moment the blanket hits her soft skin she nestles in as close to me as possible with her head cradled into my chest. I breathe in her invigorating scent, I count the slow deep breaths, and we sing. I am not sure of the words to the first lullaby the CD plays but neither of us cares. Some days she sings along with me, others she just lays still. Often when the first song ends, a time or two after the second song, she leans back against my body and looks at her crib. I take my cue and lay her gently down. I wrap her completely in the blanket and turn her leapfrog on 10-minute bedtime songs. The first song is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. As I serenade her once again she smiles and reaches for the pink baby by her side. I then hug the baby and dance with it until she either hands me the green bear or reaches for the baby. The baby kisses her for a time or two. As the song ends I kiss my hand and put it to her face. Within the last week, she has begun attempting to blow me a kiss. She laughs, I laugh and smile, turn, and promptly exit the room feeling like one lucky Mama. As the door closes she cries for 2-5 minutes and drifts off to sleep.
Number 3 is nearly 5 and the mere mention of bedtime causes him to quickly retort, "Come to me first Mommy." As a small child, he loved to cuddle and rock in the glider. Now he climbs under the covers and has his two blankies set up just right. One has a spot similar to my childhood blanket, a few small holes, and previously a string that he demanded one day be cut off. This part must be on the top of all blankets closest to his face. Next, will tell me stories, and ask me questions whatever he can think of to keep me there as long as possible. Sometimes these quips are hilarious and others just silly. I then give him a hug and a kiss, high-five each other, and a "snug as a bug in a rug". This actually stems from the movie Hope Floats, where Sandra's character does it to her daughter.
On I head to Number 1 whose room is at the bottom of the steps. He has always enjoyed the mommy time over the years. At the ripe age of 9, we still read together. Only now it is the children's "The Book". This summarizes in child language every chapter of every book in the Bible. We pray and then off I head to number 2.
Number 2 is last because her room is farthest away and she is most patient. Over the years our time has evolved from rocking, singing, and cuddling to reading books, dancing, and/or singing. Currently, we are reading a book called "The Secret Garden". I would love to whisk it away and read ahead but she treasures the book in her bed. She and I snuggle beneath the sheets. Like her sister, the proximity and touch make all the difference. If I ever need to feel with my body and not with words a picture of true love this is the moment.
As I shut her door and turn off the light I feel lucky. Lucky that God gave me the gift of carrying and raising 4 wonderful children. Blessed to have a home they have their needs met, bellies full, and be safe just to be kids. Up the stairs around the corner to my room where some days my husband awaits. Other days I finish the day's work and have a friend to call far away. Whichever I can rest assured that however the day began it ended with me taking the time to let each know how very much I love them.
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