Late Nights Ain't What They Used to Be

Around 11 last night, my husband and I were about to feed the baby for the last time and head to bed. Our simple nightly wind-down was interrupted when a little 4-year-old head peeked out of the boys’ room and said, ‘I’m thirsty.” 

Our children are generally good sleepers, and even when they aren't, they still stay in their beds. Little man had an adventurous weekend, though, attending his first wedding, staying up late and going two days without naps. Last night, he was tucked in and out cold at 6 p.m.

So at 11, he came out for some chit chat and something to drink. Due to the early bedtime, we obliged, snuggled for a few minutes and sent him back to bed. Thirty minutes later, he was still awake. I checked on him one last time, and he announced, “I’m hungry.” Sigh. Normally I would not cave, but given the oddities of the weekend, I told him to come out quietly so we didn't wake up his brother in the bunk above.

E proudly walked back to our bedroom and announced to my husband that he was hungry and was ready for breakfast. We kindly explained the actual time and told him it wasn't time for breakfast. I asked what he would like to eat, and again I got, “I’m just ready for breakfast.” Around and around we went, until I again caved and gave him a breakfasty food, of which he took two bites and announced that he wasn't REALLY hungry for that breakfast.

Meanwhile, we had turned down the lights and settled in to feed the baby. A time when she normally winds down and drifts right off to sleep was interrupted by breakfast talk at midnight. Guess who else was ready to party?

So Greg carted the little man back to bed with the promise of checking on him every five minutes until he fell asleep, and I was left with a squealing, laughing 5-month-old who was ready for anything but sleep.  At 1 a.m. we heard the last happy shriek and giggle and finally settled in for some much needed sleep…which ended too soon at 6 a.m. Thank goodness I have such a fabulous partner to laugh with and with whom I sleepily stumble through this adventure called parenting.

Just for laughs and to make us sleepy, struggling parents feel a teensy bit better...