Sleep sweet child sleep
Kiara used to fall asleep on her own.
Then sometime toward the end of last year a few things happened – David arrived and so did her dad. My little girl child doesn’t cope well with change. So I started lying with her. I knew it wasn’t the right thing but I suppose subconsciously I did feel guilty about all the changes. So I lie with her each night for 5-10 minutes as she falls asleep.
A few nights ago I realised she will actually fall asleep on her own without too much fuss but I am not ready to give it up. I realised this when I found myself lying long after she had fallen asleep and I had no desire to go anywhere.
Every night I get to watch this little being fall asleep. I get to listen as her breathing changes and she heads off to dream land. I get to remember the beauty that is my daughter. I forget the fighting and the tension and problems and I remember her laugh, her spirit.
I know I can’t do it forever – she won’t let me. But for tonight (and maybe tomorrow too) I will lie with her. Not because she needs it but because I need it.
Bitter are the tears of a child: Sweeten them.
Deep are the thoughts of a child: Quiet them.
Sharp is the grief of a child: Take it from him.
Soft is the heart of a child: Do not harden it.
Pamela Glenconner
March 8th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Nothing more beautiful that watching a sleeping child.
March 8th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
I had to get a video monitor to watch Ian sleep. He is so independent that he won’t let anyone in the room while he goes down.
March 8th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
There’s nothing better, I tickle Bradley’s back for a few minutes every night… it relaxes him and me!
March 8th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
I say do it as long as both of you enjoy it – it is a little special ‘just you’ time.
March 8th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
This is so lovely to read.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Og man- Carmen also does this every now and again. Sheer bliss.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:38 am
I love cuddling with Joshua before he goes to bed, before we know it they will be teenagers and then we’ll be booted out their room
So spoil yourself and Kiara.
March 9th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Enjoy it while you can Laura.
March 9th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
I love watching my daughter fall asleep, one of my most favourite things in the world
*Delurking, been reading your blog for quite some time now.
March 10th, 2010 at 11:10 am
A mother’s guilt is generally the worst! I love lying with Logan every now and then!
March 23rd, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I used to love watching my knucklehead sleep.