We ran out of overnight diapers on Friday and they didn’t have any at the grocery store that I was foolish enough to dare to enter yesterday. I figured Bella could rough it for a night in her regular daytime diapers and at worst I’d just have to launder a pair of pajamas a day or two earlier than I would have otherwise. But no, at 2:30 or so she was awake and crying.
When I went in to her room, she was standing at the crib railing and immediately upon seeing me she started asking for her dolly. I reached behind her and picked up the doll at her feet and then put Bella up onto the changing table, figuring a wet diaper was probably the real culprit and not a misplaced security object.
“It’s not time to get up now, Bella,” I said quietly as I unsnapped her pajamas, feeling the front and back to make sure they weren’t wet. “It’s nighttime, time for sleeping still.”
I put a new diaper on her, snapped up the still-dry pajamas, and scooped her up to cuddle her for a few seconds, “Time to go to sleep now, Bella,” I crooned in her ear. Then laid her back down in the crib, settling her pig and dolly at either side, placing her sippy cup with water in her hand, and pulling the blankets up over her chest. I traced a sign of the cross on her forehead and whispered a prayer, “May God bless you and your guardian angels help you sleep the rest of the night.” Then I turned away, closed the door, and went back to bed.
How wonderful that Isabella now communicates with words! Even a couple of months ago this kind of middle of the night wake-up would probably have taken me half an hour of rocking and snuggling and resettling. Now she understands when I tell her that it’s time to sleep and I don’t need to do much more than take care of the immediate physical need and resettle her blankets and toys. Then I was back to my snug, warm bed to toss and turn, seeking a comfortable position while the little one kicked and turned inside me.
Your post could have been written by me on any given day with my 13 month old son. I too am sometimes impatient with the 5th or 6th book in a row that Isaac brings to me to read (eagerly, and sliding into my lap), or as he begs to go outside when I am trying to get something done in the kitchen. I am so glad that I catch myself (usually) and remember that THESE are the moments together, the moments of joy, that make up life. And life with my baby, my son. I am so thankful for these moments. Thanks for passing along the beautiful reminder.
What a beautiful video! I took me back to when you were a small child. I rember thinking how fast you changed and the person I knew a few days ago had totally changed and would never be the same. Then I knew this was not my child but God’s child. I only had temporary custody and was so privileged to have that blessing.
Well, it made me cry. I have two daughters who are now 23(almost 24—March 6) and 20. My younger daughter still lives at home with me while she attends college, and my eldest is recently married and lives many miles away. I miss her every day, even though I know that she is well and happy and married to a terrific young man—we talk on the phone every week. I do wish I had taken more time to really enjoy her childhood, but it was such a busy (and not very happy time) in my life. I am very close to my girls, but I wish I had not missed so very much. (Luckily, God is very good—my girls are not just beautiful on the outside, but are incredibly beautiful people.) God bless you Melanie. Enjoy these girls that God has granted you. Best of luck. I’ll be praying for a safe and easy delivery for your second daughter. Best also to your adorable Bella and to Dom.