Bedtime talks
A busy weekend has left my children sleep deprived and a bit off. With it only half over plans must be made to ensure survival. Tomorrow being an early day teaching children's church leaves me no choice in getting everyone to bed on time. Why is it that the important talks seem to happen in the car or right before bed? I suppose when else does the rest of the world slow to not interfere? You would think after nearly 10 years at this I would be prepared a bit but nothing can prepare you. Parenting is like one big surprise present. You open the gift every day and sometimes it makes you elated without words, others wanting to return the gift. Either way you continue to pick the colorfully wrapped box, bow and all up to find out which it will be. Who ever said God does not have a sense of humor?
As I made my rounds from room to room my littlest was screaming her head off. She seemed even more upset than usual. I went back in for a second round, a rare treat for her since that typically causes more distress.
In her bed she was leaning on the railing, tears and all eyes partly closed. She said I want out but I layed her down instead knowing that if I grant her wish she wouldn't let me go period. I put one hand on her cheek, the other rubbed her face and head, stopping a moment or two to wipe away the tears. We prayed and talked. Her asking me to see AA, and G's house. My mind only could see her desperation and the sadness ahead when AA is gone for more than just the weekend. She asked about Daddy mowing grass, or if he was at work. She told me about the frog playing music and more. I sang her a lullaby or two and ended with a goodnight prayer. She begged me to stay but I could tell was ready for sleep. These moments are so bittersweet as my baby is on the cusp of leaving her crib, and moving on to a big girl bed. Thus sealing the deal that my baby days will be nevermore. Well until grand kids that is, but heck that better be like 15 years from now at least.
Next #3. I have grown accustomed to his fantasy stories, breaching the very real world's challenges and the made up. Little fellow the imaginary friend has moved on I believe. Why do they all have to grow up at the same time? Tonight though, tonight was unexpected. That is how they all do it isn't it? "Who is the Devil?" he said. Well..um hmmm. How exactly do you explain that one in 5ish year old child terms. He wanted to know where he lived easy enough and kept thinking he caused tornado's and lightning. More explanation time with him repeating everything I said adding a bit of his own twist. In the end I think he understands more than before, but then I wouldn't have guessed he didn't know who the devil was either. It will be interesting to tell when this pops up again, during play and with what friend.
#1 was my 3rd stop his discussion was centered about accountability for me to teach him from God and his to be obedient. He added a bit of his two cents, so expected. We prayed together, even included other family members and a hand squeeze goodnight. He hugs me now and again mostly in motivation to get something but other random times, book reading or tv watching on his own. How different he is from #3 who wants constant affection and verbal affirmation to feel loved.
#2 was last her room being the farthest. She was already snuggled up drifting away to the dreamland of present. I climbed next to her to snuggle, a fav for us both. We talked only for a moment, me complimenting her on her hard work shown in today's recital and then a short but purposeful prayer. I am pretty sure she was out moments after I left.
#3 made several return trips to my room, needing this or that. Once he even needed a blanket that G (via Aunt D but whose telling) gave him at least a month or so ago. I can confirm he has not had it in his bed for over 2 weeks but suddenly simply cannot sleep without it. My real guess, the struggles he went through today with disrespectful and disobedient behavior lending him to be spanked more than once had his mind on overdrive. He was sleepy and sad at the recital, ok at dinner and then somewhat downhill before bed. He internalizes things, sorts and classifies in such a grownup way sometimes that I try to never underestimate that one. Some extra snuggles, rational thought on necessity of requests and snug in bed again he now sleeps.
Whew! What a day, and what a night. I am sure this will not be the last of our unexpected talks.
As I made my rounds from room to room my littlest was screaming her head off. She seemed even more upset than usual. I went back in for a second round, a rare treat for her since that typically causes more distress.
In her bed she was leaning on the railing, tears and all eyes partly closed. She said I want out but I layed her down instead knowing that if I grant her wish she wouldn't let me go period. I put one hand on her cheek, the other rubbed her face and head, stopping a moment or two to wipe away the tears. We prayed and talked. Her asking me to see AA, and G's house. My mind only could see her desperation and the sadness ahead when AA is gone for more than just the weekend. She asked about Daddy mowing grass, or if he was at work. She told me about the frog playing music and more. I sang her a lullaby or two and ended with a goodnight prayer. She begged me to stay but I could tell was ready for sleep. These moments are so bittersweet as my baby is on the cusp of leaving her crib, and moving on to a big girl bed. Thus sealing the deal that my baby days will be nevermore. Well until grand kids that is, but heck that better be like 15 years from now at least.
Next #3. I have grown accustomed to his fantasy stories, breaching the very real world's challenges and the made up. Little fellow the imaginary friend has moved on I believe. Why do they all have to grow up at the same time? Tonight though, tonight was unexpected. That is how they all do it isn't it? "Who is the Devil?" he said. Well..um hmmm. How exactly do you explain that one in 5ish year old child terms. He wanted to know where he lived easy enough and kept thinking he caused tornado's and lightning. More explanation time with him repeating everything I said adding a bit of his own twist. In the end I think he understands more than before, but then I wouldn't have guessed he didn't know who the devil was either. It will be interesting to tell when this pops up again, during play and with what friend.
#1 was my 3rd stop his discussion was centered about accountability for me to teach him from God and his to be obedient. He added a bit of his two cents, so expected. We prayed together, even included other family members and a hand squeeze goodnight. He hugs me now and again mostly in motivation to get something but other random times, book reading or tv watching on his own. How different he is from #3 who wants constant affection and verbal affirmation to feel loved.
#2 was last her room being the farthest. She was already snuggled up drifting away to the dreamland of present. I climbed next to her to snuggle, a fav for us both. We talked only for a moment, me complimenting her on her hard work shown in today's recital and then a short but purposeful prayer. I am pretty sure she was out moments after I left.
#3 made several return trips to my room, needing this or that. Once he even needed a blanket that G (via Aunt D but whose telling) gave him at least a month or so ago. I can confirm he has not had it in his bed for over 2 weeks but suddenly simply cannot sleep without it. My real guess, the struggles he went through today with disrespectful and disobedient behavior lending him to be spanked more than once had his mind on overdrive. He was sleepy and sad at the recital, ok at dinner and then somewhat downhill before bed. He internalizes things, sorts and classifies in such a grownup way sometimes that I try to never underestimate that one. Some extra snuggles, rational thought on necessity of requests and snug in bed again he now sleeps.
Whew! What a day, and what a night. I am sure this will not be the last of our unexpected talks.
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