Sometimes the Resemblance is Uncanny....

So.... I have decided Glennon, of Momastary, is my long lost twin. We don't look alike or anything, but I swear to you.... I feel the EXACT same way about parenting and life that she does.  Many moms can probably say this. Of that I am certain, but I read her most recent post, Whack-A-Mole, and I about died when I read that she sings "You are My Sunshine" to her daughter each night.

I sing the same song to Luke.

I nodded in agreement when she talked about how getting your kids to bed is the most stressful part of the day and that it should be done in the morning when you are fresh.  I dread the bedtime routine.  It is ridiculous and I know that my kids aren't half as bad as some.  But, they are my own worst hell.  I have limited patience at night, and like Glennon, I want some peace myself! I am selfish. I want MY TIME! My "victory lap" as she calls it!  (love that term)

When Luke has naps (school days) he is the worst cuz he's just not as tired. And maybe if I were a better mom I would let him stay up, but read the above statement about my selfishness and needing my victory lap. I clinge to the hour of 8:00 pm like no body's business.  No matter what, tired or not, my kids are going to bed at 8:00 pm come hell or high water!

Luke has his own tricks right now.  Each night, we have our cup of warm milk (yup, my kid is four and has milk WARMED UP at bedtime), a story and our song.  Each night, he has to "go to the bathroom" as soon as I'm out the door. Even though he just went before I put him in bed cuz I am no stranger to the bathroom game.  He goes into the bathroom and mostly just stands at the toilet for a moment and then, requires tucking back in bed.

He requests a cup of "ice water" and a "hard book" to balance it on his bed right next to him.

He then asks if anyone will be in his room and if the windows are closed.  My kids are big on safety.  Extremely convinced there is a high crime rate in Concord.

From there, the questions vary night to night..... last night, he wondered if I could take his gum with me to work so I would have it when I picked him up.  He asked Scott to come in for this and that. I smile when the request is for Scott.  Scott says to me "I've already been in there twelve times."  I say... "Well it's about to be thirteen."

Then, I have to go in for the "kill."  It seems only I can end this game. He needs to hear me start to lose it........ and tell him I am DONE coming in and that I will not answer him anymore............. then, the boy shuts up and goes to sleep.  It's a miracle.

Tonite, I will head it all off at the pass and maybe stop a few questions.... I will be more firm. He will work his way back to going to bed better..... then, slowly, we will be back to the twelve steps.  It's a see-saw with that one.

Ally is a champion sleeper and has been since six weeks of age. There are VERY FEW other easy things about her so God gave me this one.  She sleeps well. She does still get up and ask for hugs.  Have to pee. This and that....... but really, she has always just gone to bed.  We lucked out in that department. She drains me in every other way though.  ;-)

Where Glennon and I REALLY sync up again is what we do AFTER we get out kids down........ we pass out instantly. I know a lot of moms and dads do a whole lot after their kids go to bed... but Scott and I so do not.  At all.  It's our time.  We read. We drink. We talk.  It's our time.  No housework.  No making lunches. All that has to happen before they go down or it waits til morning. That's just how it is.

I can happily go to bed with a messy house. It doesn't bother me a bit. I wish it bothered me more, but maybe I am lucky it doesn't.  When I have finished my day... when I have rocked it out at work, volunteered like a champion and been mom of the year all day..... it's time for me (and my hubby) when the little ones are in the land of nod.......

That's just the way it is. Some things will never change. (I hope!)