Good Night
Every night of Jedi’s life where it’s been feasibly possible, save for when I was in the hospital giving birth to his siblings for example, I have given him a kiss as he’s headed off to bed. I dispense three, to be exact, along with the same declarations every time. I love you, good night, sweet dreams. No matter my mood the rest of the day, I also tell him he’s such a great kid. My night doesn’t feel complete unless this occurs.
The other night, our schedules didn’t align. J put Jedi down before I could get Abby settled. When I was able to peek in his door, it appeared he was already fast asleep. He didn’t wait for me, I thought. Sad at missing the first unwarranted case in memory, I closed the door and lingered somberly off to bed.
I know he’s growing older, about to enter the demanding world of 1st grade. This could be another stage passing by. It’s likely our routine means a lot more to me than it does to him. Our kisses goodnight aren’t going to matter forever. Still, I sighed myself to sleep feeling sullen and dejected.
The following morning at 6 a.m. I’m awakened by Jedi standing over my bed.
“You didn’t give me a kiss goodnight!”, he sleepily accused, upset.
“You were asleep!”, as I passed the blame in a direct whisper.
“Next time YOU WAKE ME UP!”, he demanded.
After thinking he might not care anymore, it’s nice to know my big kid is still my little boy and he missed it just the same. Though it might have been a bit nicer if he waited to chide me until a time later than 6 a.m.
I'm Crystal. A 30-something mom to 3 young kids living in the Midwest USA. When I'm not chasing my children, I'm a freelance writer and web designer. I like to tell stories from our days and share what we enjoy...
11 Responses
on July 27 2010
Aww…what a sweet little guy. I’m so glad for you that you don’t have to say goodbye to this stage yet. Sure, they will eventually outgrow many things, even affection, and we need to be prepared but it’s much harder when we’re not ready for the change ourselves. But then again, are we ever ready for them to grow up?
Justine’s latest post: Will you take my hand
on July 27th, 2010
@Justine, We *think* we’re ready, but then it happens and we wonder where time went.
on July 27 2010
It’s nice to hear that he still likes his night-time ritual with you.
Marilyn’s latest post: How Not to Complete a Kids Craft
on July 27 2010
I’m so impressed that he remembered in the morning! That boy sure loves his mama. Sweet.
TheKitchenWitch’s latest post: Seared Salmon with Jalapeno Ponzu
on July 27 2010
Oh what a lovely story – children I find are like elephants when it suits them and never forget! I think that is so precious that he came to chide you the next morning and clearly he is not quite grown up enough yet to do without Mommy’s good night wishes. By the way, my daughter gets me up at 5:30am every morning….
on July 27th, 2010
@Aging Mommy, 5:30? I couldn’t do that. I’m worthless before 7:30. This morning I was up before my kids, who seemed to wake up together at 8:45.
on July 27 2010
So sweet C. It brought a little tear to my eye. Glad he demanded that you wake him up next time, although I agree with you, it could have waited later in the morning.
Rudri Patel’s latest post: Speckles of Sand
on July 27 2010
That is so, so sweet. Sigh.
Angella’s latest post: Being A Tourist In My Hometown
on July 27 2010
Aww that is so sweet!
Cathy’s latest post: Backpacking with the Boy Scouts
on July 27 2010
That made me smile. I let my husband put tori to bed tonight, and I’m already missing our bedtime snuggle…
amber’s latest post: Five Reasons I’m Not Trying Out For Project Mom
on July 27 2010
Ok…that made me tear up a little bit. That’s the cutest mom moment ever. Seriously…
Best,
Tina