Nighttime

How long have I been a mom? Seems like I should have learned some things by now. Like, bedtime is not "goodnight, sleep tight" and then I don't see them till a reasonable hour the next day. Bedtime is an hour long process... Read some stories, sing songs, brush your teeth (why do I have to say it 100 times?), goodnight.... Why are you still in your jeans? I really shouldn't have to tell you to change into your jammies, you're old enough to just decide to do it...

Ok, so every night, there is a parade into our bedroom. I'm scared. I need a drink, the monsters will get me, I had a bad dream, I can't sleep.

Pitter patter, little feet approaching our door, someone standing right outside but not coming in or knocking, just waiting for us to invite them in to share the latest reason why they're not in bed.

Shelly came in, dropped this on my desk and said, "You can write back if you want. But you don't have to." Ok, I love you, goodnight, go to bed.

Dear Mom - I had a wonderful week off for Thanksgiving - I hoop you did to! - Love Shelly - 12/2/13

I debated about writing her back a note. I didn't have to wait too long to hear her footsteps again, and another note dropped on my desk.

Dear Mom did you get the last noet well I love you by - Love Shelly

She did eventually go to sleep. I wrote her a note, folded it all up into a tiny triangle and gave it to her the next day. She was happy :)