Friday, August 07, 2009

Unintentional Family Bed

This wasn't planned. But as a side effect of a husband that works nights and a summer schedule that doesn't make us wake up before 8 am, my children have grown quite accustomed to sleeping in my room. In my bed. On top of me and my pillows. (I am a bit possessive of my pillows...)

Want to hear an even stranger side effect of this night shift? I kinda like this family bed thing. Even when they are sweating on my shoulder or violently kicking me as they dream. Because honestly? This is a brief moment in my life. Pffffttt! Gone. Before I know it, the bed will be too small and sharing bedtime with the family will be way uncool. As it is, Justin has decided that he likes the floor next to my bed rather than my pillow-top queen-sized mattress. Close to me, but not touching. This is as it should be, I suppose. He is, after all, 10 years old. But his descent to the carpet has me holding the other two a little bit tighter...

One morning, I will wake up and find that no one wants to cuddle in my bed after a bad dream. One morning, I won't be able to remember the last time a small child stroked my cheek as he or she drifted into unconsciousness, completely secure in the love and safety of Mommy's bed. One morning, I will awake alone, and mourn the loss of these golden years...

They can kick me in the head tonight. I really don't mind.

15 comments:

humpsNbump said...

Love that quiet reflection. They do grow up too fast. I will be holding my little baby girl a little bit closer. Thanks.

~ humps

Manic Mommy said...

Part of me loves it too. When my husband travels, we have sleep-overs.

Lis Garrett said...

Aw . . .

Bridget's been coming in bed with me, too, and I have to admit I enjoy having her wrap her arms around me, kiss my cheek, and tell me how much she loves me.

Enjoy it!

andria said...

Elizabeth has been in her crib for six months now. I'm still sad about it, but I do enjoy when all three come pile in the morning, although I wish they could wait an hour or two.

Debbie said...

Oh, you just made me cry.

JC said...

Cuddling rocks!!!! Soak it up. You are smart to do so. One day it will be gone and they will be all grown.

CaraBee said...

I wouldn't mind some family bed stuff, but my daughter just won't sleep with us. Cuddle them while you can!

Anonymous said...

A Word To The Wise!
I have listened to doctors, teachers, counselors as well as social workers dish out advice about our children and some of it is well taken, but all must be critically perused and evaluated by us, were the mommies! Who could possible know our children better than we do?
Some children have adverse reactions to sugar and some do not, however experts would like to paint all children with the same broad brush. Teenagers having problems in school is a good example. The first direction the experts seem to like to pursue is Attention Deficit. However a wise individual would first pursue the basics such as: Are their marital problems in the home or some type of alcohol or drug abuse? Is the child fighting thru Identity issues such as sexuality? These are just a few of the possibilities that could be causing children problems and us Mommies and Daddy’s need to make sure everything is being addressed before we push it off on a medical condition. I’m not saying we don’t look at everything; however it seems we live in a society that loves to turn directly to medication to solve a problem! Just watch the evening news and I’m sure you will see what I mean. The drug companies are now pursuing us directly to get us to ask our doctors for their drugs! The government likes to preach “Just Say No to Drugs”, and then they pitch them at every opportunity!
My 16 year old was being tortured by mean girls via email and was heartbroken. She was having some acne issues as we all did but they were extremely mean to her in nature. It was not easy but I found a site that carries Cyber Bully Alerts warning the children to STOP sending these emails as they are being watched and logged and will be prosecuted. We all know what this kind of meanness can lead to with teen suicides and all. I found the cards at hate cards dot net and they did the trick! The torture stopped for Sarah and that was good enough for me. We need to find ways to overcome and adapt to protect our kids.
We can care for runny noses and chapped bottoms, but we must look out for our babies through high school and educate them to think for themselves until they learn too!
Billie
At Home Mom in MN

anymommy said...

Ack. Tears. I can barely breathe for how fast it all goes by, you are so right to treasure those quiet, sweaty, kicked in the head moments.

Gettysburg Mom said...

You summed it up so nicely.

Kristi said...

I love cramming myself into Isabella's toddler bed in the mornings when she asks me, "Do you want to snuggle?". Love it while it lasts!

mep said...

I'm with you. On the mornings after the nights when both boys have ended up in our bed, I wake up and feel pretty lucky even though I don't feel well rested.

Melting Pot Mommy said...

I have done sleepovers with my kids since they were small. They ask for them almost every night. Even when I've got a ton of stuff to do and can't do a real sleepover, I'll tell them I can do a short one for a few minutes because I know the day will come when they stop asking for them, which makes me sad. Usually after a few minutes, they drift off into blissful sleep.

Gucci Mama said...

I had company in my bed this weekend too. Hmm. That sentence could probably be misconstrued.

Joshua slept with me this weekend while James was out of town because he "didn't want me to be scared". Aw. So nice to have a brave little two year old.

I have learned to appreciate the wild flailing and hordes of stuffed animals when he wants to sleep with me, because I know the day will soon come when he won't want to snuggle with his mama anymore.

*Tear*

Star said...

I hadn't planned on co-sleeeping either, but i can't tell you how many mornings my unsuspecting husband has woken up to find a fuzzy blond head beside him!!

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