Our household routine has been modified this summer because my soon-to-be-ex had ankle surgery. My mother-in-law essentially moved in June 5th to help with his after surgery needs and to help take care of our 2 kids while I work. My mother-in-law leaves July 30th. I am starting with this bit of information because it is the groundwork for this blog.
Since my mother-in-law has been here, she has been sleeping in my 7 year old daughter's room and my 7 year old has moved in my bed with me. It has been a lovely 2 months of sharing my bed with perhaps the largest bed hog in the world, while simultaneously getting kicked and hit in the middle of the night as she sleeps.
But, the real reason I write this is to share what lesson I've learned from my 5 year old in this whole experience. He has had no reason to sleep anywhere other than his own bed. However, about a week into Grandma's stay, he got the idea that he wanted to sleep in my bed too. I told him that there was not enough room for all 3 of us (he is a bed hog too), but I struck a deal with him. He could sleep in my bed until I was ready to go to sleep and then I would carry him to his own bed. This has worked beautifully the entire time. He gets what his sister gets, just not the whole night.
Every night I have carried him to bed while he lays his head on my shoulder and puts his arms around my neck. Every night I contemplate if he has gotten heavier than the night before. Every night I kiss his head as I lay him in his own bed. Every night I watch him roll over and go right back to sleep like an angel. Every night I have marveled at the fact that I can still pick him up. Every night I think one day I will no longer be able to pick him up. Every night I count my blessings.
The lesson: They grow up too fast. Carry them while you can. <3
