Nate and Gabe currently share a room just on the other side of the kitchen. I'm sure they hear, very well, the noises of the house after they go to bed. That's usually our time to get ready for the next day by packing lunches, setting out coffee mugs (yes, I realize this proves my obsessive compulsive tendencies), doing the dishes that were used during the day (have I mentioned that we don't have a dishwasher?), and lately, making decisions regarding the house. It's not uncommon for Gabe to come out of his room 16 times, asking for a drink of water, wondering what's for breakfast or on the agenda the next day, or requesting just one last hug and kiss. I'm used to it...it's been going on since he was 18 months old and learned to crawl out of his crib! There are times, I'll admit, that I bribe them with a 'prize' the next morning if they stay in bed. Of course, Nate always gets the reward, but Gabe...not always...rarely, in fact!
Today, Gabe told me that he didn't want to move to our new house because he didn't like where his bed was going to be. I thought he meant that he wouldn't like having his own room and may be scared to sleep alone...he hasn't since he was 1! After further questioning, I discovered that he's worried about how far his room will be from the kitchen in the new house. He told me that he likes listening to Matt and I talk and giggle (yes, he used that word) after he goes to bed and he won't be able to hear that in the new house because his room is too far away!
"Why do you like listening to Daddy and I talk when you're trying to go to sleep? I asked. "Doesn't that keep you up?"
"No, it helps me go to sleep. It's sweet!"
You know, I've always sang to my kids before bedtime. It may sound scary to you, but that's all they know...and so far, they haven't judged! The songs of choice are usually Amazing Grace or The Wheels on the Bus (sounds relaxing, I know). I hadn't realized that listening to Matt and I talk at the end of the day is part of Gabe's bedtime routine, too. I also hadn't realized how therapeutic that could be for a kid. What a gift, to give your children the privilege of parents who ENJOY CONVERSATION WITH ONE ANOTHER and CAN STILL LAUGH WITH EACH OTHER after 11 years of marriage!
I remember how different our evenings were before we had kids. There were nights that we may not have even had dinner until 9 pm. In fact, that was probably the norm. The day seemed to start after we got off work and headed home. I'll be honest, by 6 o'clock, most days, I'm counting down for the day to end! Now, instead of a leisurely evening of dinner out and unlimited adult conversation, we get to talk about our day over dishes crusted with Chef Boy R D while packing peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches in Spiderman and Scooby Doo lunch boxes. If we're lucky, the conversation doesn't stop after preparations have been made for the following day. They may continue for a few minutes after my back end hits the couch...but not usually!
I know I've said this before, but I learn so much from my kids. They remind me, often, things that I forget in the day to day grind. This was a good one, Gabe. Thanks for reminding me how much I still value spending time with Daddy and for also reminding me how important it is to keep it up. You're one smart kid!
Just for a laugh, I attached this photo. My friend Amy responded, after I sent this to her in a text, "You don't see a girl pushing a cart in a tutu everyday...unless you're at Wal Mart!" Yes, we're mean!
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