I have added a new step to our bedtime routine. It all started a couple weeks ago when I was driving Ellie to preschool and she asked me,
"Mom, when I am as big as grandma's kids ( she is talking about Jared's mom that still has 5 kids, teenagers to 20 somethings, living at home) will I still be your kid?" With tears starting to burn I said, "You will always be my baby, no matter how big you get." She seemed satisfied with the answer and started chatting about something else. I, on the other hand, continued to ponder her question and wonder how I will make sure she will always want to be my baby!
So that is when I came up with holding time... 
It is not unusual for Indy and Libby to want to sit on my lap, even though Ellie and Milo still occupy it the majority of the the time. But they still want to know they are loved just as much as the day they were born. So at night, before they say their prayers they all get a minute or two on my lap. And while they are laying there, (they insist on being held like a baby) I make them promise me things like:
That they will never say they hate me.
That they will always let me kiss them good bye while in my jammies, without my hair brushed in front of their friends.
That they won't ever be embarrassed of me even when I am cheering like a crazy woman at there sporting events.
That they will never slam a door at me.
That they will never scream, "you are a murderer of love!" at me (a line from Dan in Real Life, Jared and I really connected with that movie).
And that they won't marry a man I don't approve of. (Or girl in Milo's case, but he is still a little young to make promises, I will think of some for him as soon as he can say yes!)
The promises are always changing and sometimes they even think of their own. I figure if we already have all these issues laid out on the table now, then down the road when these things actually come up, I will be able to say... "Remember, you promised!"
And the most important promise of all, is that they will always be my baby!
Very sweet. I'm bad. When it is bedtime it is because I'm done. I am done for the day and will kill em if I see em again before the next day. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I try to fit it in during the day but don't always get it. I love the promises you have them make.
ReplyDeleteIt might be a good idea to get those promises in writing for when they are older and forget. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea. I have to get my loving in on Dallin while none of his friends are around. So sad to have them grow up.
ReplyDeleteYou're a wonderful mother. sounds fabulous. I like the promises part. It's a good idea. Might have to steal it.
ReplyDeleteCarrilyne, YOU are such an awesome mother!!! I have a love hate thing for bedtime. BUT I love it that even though Courtney is 15 she still comes in and kisses us good night, and even though Tyler is 12 he does too, and he still kisses me good bye in front of his friends. Josh is 10 and still loves to cuddle and Zach every night still wants me to read Good Night moon and lay with him for just a few mins. These times can go by so fast but I try to enjoy them while they are still here. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLove, Ashlee