Bedtime

Each night before I go to sleep, I go into each child's room to check on them.

I always give Ellie a kiss on the forehead or cheek. She stirs just mildly and smiles as I tell her goodnight. I have no doubt she appreciates this routine, even though she is asleep. This is very much consistent with her need for many last hugs during periods of separation - like the work and school day or a long nights sleep.

I go into Max's room and either kiss him, if I can reach him (because he's now back in that big bunk bed and sometimes hard to get to) or i kiss my hand and apply a kiss to him. He often turns away, as if touching him in his sleep disturbs him. This makes me think he's just like his Daddy. But I kiss him and check on him anyway.

Finally, I check on Clair. I get near her and apply several kisses to her cheeks or her head. She is never bothered. She stays asleep. But she also snuggles in closer to me when she feels me. Even subconsciously she enjoys being close. The kisses and touch do not bother her, she embraces them and turns to them. Many a nights she will roll over and try to snuggle into me in those brief seconds. This is very much aligned with Clair's belief that we should always sleep together and cuddle all night long. She calls me in the night when she needs me and often just wants a snuggle.

I love my little routine with each of them. It's the best way to end a day, happy, healthy, warm kids all tucked in for the night.