Memories as he grows

The worst part of being pregnant is that I'm so miserable, I feel I miss the milestones that should be celebrated with the older kids. Over Christmas I decided I needed to help Max grow up and become more independent in anticipation of the little one coming in April. I urgently moved him from his crib into a twin bed in Ellie's room. I also tried forcing potty training (this wasn't so successful.)

The other night as I was tucking Max into his big boy bed, it dawned on me that the sweet moments we used to have in his nursery are quickly fading into the past. I really enjoyed putting Max to bed each night. I enjoyed his questions, his teasing for hugs, and the way he loves songs! In this blog post, I wanted to remember our routine as it stood for nearly 18 months or so.

After telling Daddy night night, Max and I would sit down in the rocking chair in  his room. Most recently, he would try to rush to the chair, sit in it first and then like to make me squeeze in beside him. Then, he would crawl onto my lap and get himself situated. He sure liked to be comfy and had a certain way he wanted to rest in my arms before bed. This always included holding Spots, some nights Blue Blankey and Nicky would join us too.

First, we would read a story. Usually Max had one story that he liked reading over and over for a month or so. Some of our favorites were llama Lama Red Pajama, his Truck Books, Hop on Pop, and before he moved, his one page Bible stories. He had favorites in the Bible stories too - David and Goliath  Joseph, Moses and the best was xxxxx.

After stories, we would turn out the light and sign some songs. I loved singing to Max. Sometimes I would sing several songs. Often, we had to repeat the same songs. The regulars were Twinkle Twinkle, Ba ba Black Sheep, and then usually You are my sunshine. After a few songs, it was time to get into bed. I had taken the side of Max's crib off when I got pregnant so he could climb in and out of bed himself. So, since September, he had been playing a game with me - denying hugs at bedtime I would ask, "Max, does Mommy get a hug?" He'd run back to stand beside his crib grinning ear to ear saying "No." Finally, he would run to me to give me a hug if I showed I was sad enough or if I said it was time to get into bed. Then he would stretch his arms wide and run and jump into my arms. I would pick him up into the chair and squeeze him tight and kiss his cheeks or neck or something. He'd laugh and then we would put him into bed for real.

Once in bed, I would cover him and properly place his friends around his head. Then he would need one more song before I left. Often this was Zip a De Do Da, but sometimes Take Me Out To the Ballgame!

I'd give him one final kiss and say night night as I shut the door. He was so cute and good about falling asleep in his crib. He was at peace in there.

Moving into the shared room, the night time routine is a bit more stressful because Max and Ellie compete for my attention a bit. I don't want them to feel they need to do that. Sometimes, this is the reason I consider dividing out the big room into two rooms. I cherish those few minutes before bed with each of my children. I'm still trying to find a way for that special time with Max and Ellie sharing. I don't think I've mastered that yet by any means They however, enjoy being with each other. (Sometimes a bit too much as the laughing and commotion goes on for an hour or more sometimes. )

I love watching the children learn new things and life is easier as they become independent, but they are growing so quickly and I just want to remember and cherish these special rituals of the past forever!