Bedtime

Brian has always had a bedtime routine, although it changes from time to time, he always has one.  When he was really little, I would put on his Praise Baby CD and rock him to sleep before putting him in his crib and quietly slipping out.  Then, as he got a little older, I would put him in his crib and sit down beside him and hold his hand through the rails.  The bedtime story thing never really worked for Brian.  Stories get him hyped up, but music seems to really put him in the mood for bedtime.  Now our routine is bath time, brushing his teeth, and watching 'The Backyardigans."  We cuddle on the couch while we are watching it and when it's over, all I have to say is, "Are you ready to go night-night?" and he happily exclaims "NIGHT-NIGHT!!" and runs in his room.  Before he goes in, he stops at his door and looks back to make sure I am in tow.  He also says "Wady?" to make sure Lady is close, too. Then he jumps into bed giggling and waits for me to climb in (YES- mommy climbs into the toddler bed.  One day it is gonna break...I just know it.)  and "Wady" takes her place underneath the bed.  As I cuddle up next to him, I say his prayers outloud and he finishes them with an amen.    The next part is my favorite...

Being at work during the day makes my time with him in the evenings my favorite part of the day.  So once I cuddle up next to him, we laugh and sing and tickle.  I look forward to this time each night.  We laugh and laugh until he starts to play with his hair.  Then I know his eyes are going to start getting droopy.  Then I kiss him goodnight and leave the room.  He is usually asleep within a few minutes.  I also have to make sure "Wady" leaves with me because she can be VERY loud :)

I love this time at the end of each day that I have with my precious son.  I know that these are precious moments that I will treasure forever.