We have always snuggled, rocked, nursed or sang our children to sleep. It was one of those things we started that we never stopped, and really didn’t try hard to.
As my children grow older, I am appreciating even more those moments before they fall asleep. As babies there were nights when those 30, 60 or 120 minutes of lying there, willing them to sleep was frustrating. It was made easier when I realized that this time was short and I wasn’t really ‘missing out’ on anything else. It was guaranteed snuggles and silence as we shut out the rest of the world.
Now they take a very short amount of time to fall asleep, but with my son especially, who is a busy and active 4.5 year old, those moments are times when we talk, share and laugh. Those moments are even more special to me.
As we lie there, he runs through his day. Shares fears or concerns that he may have been keeping in. He also tells me his hopes, dreams and what makes him happy. Before falling asleep, there is the usual ‘I love you’, nearly a whisper in a soft voice.
Those moments. The ones we spend in near silence, right before he falls asleep, are some of my favourite. I know all too well that as they grow those nights may change. But for now, I am going to enjoy them.
