Friday, July 25, 2008

Sleep deprived, but thankful...

I'm one of those people that needs a good night's sleep every single night. I have the ability to fall asleep quickly and completely, and my husband will attest to the fact that it's rare for anything to wake me up. I sleep soundly for at least 8 hours every night. I love it, and I need it.

The last two nights, however, I have not slept well at all.

That would be because a certain six-year-old has crawled into our bed sometime in the wee hours of the morning. I don't remember her getting in bed with us, but I definitely remember being awakened by her elbow in my face, and her leg across my back.

As much as I'm tempted to keep complaining about the two rotten night's sleep I've had, I'm not. Because I love that little six-year-old girl so much. She's my baby, and there is nothing sweeter than waking up and seeing her curled up on her side with her little hands folded prayerlike, and tucked up under her frecked cheek. So sweet!

My "baby" is starting first grade soon and venturing into the realm of all day school, and my heart is heavy. I've been a mom for eleven years, and in those eleven years, I've always had at least one child at home with me. Life as I've known it will be changing soon, and it feels so bittersweet.

So, as long as a certain little someone ventures into our bed in those wee hours, I'll be letting her stay. And holding that sweet little one close...all thru the night, and all the days ahead.

16 comments:

Gina said...

So Sweet. I have 3 more years of a child at home, but all those things that you said, those are the same reason that my "baby" rarely gets sent to his ownbed when he wanders into mine.

Gretchen said...

Honey, I get it! My baby is starting 5th grade in a few weeks, and it's not okay with me!

And...both of my kids like to have sleepovers when Daddy is away in China. Honestly, I know this will be fleeting, so who am I to say no?
Even a big, lumbering 12 year old looks angelic when he's asleep.:)

leigh said...

Sorry you're missing out on your sleep, but that's so sweet. I've only got one more year left with all of mine at home and then it's off to big school for the oldest. If it's any consolation I've always got at least one child in bed with me at any given moment...and sometimes the new lab creeps in there too.

Deidre said...

Stop it! You're going to make me cry! E starts first grade in 3 1/2 weeks and I dread it. I cannot stand the thought of being without her all day.

I got your e-mail and yes, I am completely jealous. I believe I would be a stalker!! I absolutely LOVE her.

Jackie said...

Ohhh...I love it that she is 6 but still wants to come snuggle with you guys. So sweet.

Stephanie @ My Answered Prayer said...

Logan still makes it to our bed at least 3 nights a week. He's a cuddler and it's nice. Our baby's are growing up!!

Judy said...

Oh I feel for you! My baby girl leaves for COLLEGE (!) in a few weeks. (I'm not counting the days, so don't ask how many days) But I keep reminding myself that this is the way things are supposed to happen and this is what we've been working for all these years!

P.S. We had a terrific visit to CO. My son climbed Pikes Peak!!! I remember you said you were working towards that this summer. He loved it and feels so good about doing it.

Betsy said...

I can so relate, Meredith! My babies will all be out of the nest in a year!!! My life will be so different. I am trying to soak up every minute while I can right now!

Megan L Hutchings said...

I can't imagine that day ;(! It seems so far away and yet just around the corner! Enjoy those moments as I know you will!

Amber said...

Make me cry...

Now I feel bad for taking Tate back to his bed last night.

I love them to sleep with me when Kirk is gone...lucky for me, he's gone a lot, so we get to have lots of sleepovers! Keaton doesn't make it into my bed too much anymore...I don't think I'm cool right now...but, Sawyer and Tate are snuggle-bugs!

Michele said...

Oh what a sweet story. My youngest of my 3 is 4, and oh how I just soak up everything about that precious baby. It is so funny that when my oldest was 4 I thought he was so big and grown. But with my youngest being 4 I still look at her and see a baby. Thanks for sharing this story. It made me smile. Both of my girls (ages 7 and 4) will sometimes crawl in our bed and I just oh so love those times!!

Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt said...

Loved this post, Mer. Made tears spring to my eyes. Probably because I've been thinking a lot lately about enjoying these little moments now while I still have them.

Lisa said...

Hi Meredith
I'm not sure if I have left you a comment before or not, but I read your blog almost everyday. I stumbled upon it through Joanne. My baby will be starting kindergarten in September. All day kindergarten. I am excited for him, but sad for me -- this was a milestone that I haven't been looking forward to. The other day he said to me "You don't have to cry on the first day of school, I will still be your little pumpkin" AWWWW!

Heather said...

Oh so sweet! They grow up so fast!
That house is gorgeous by the way!
So glad you had such a fun trip!

Unknown said...

It;s posts like this that make me wish we lived closer so we could have coffee and tea together and have something to look forward to on the first day of school!

I'll be praying for you!

Angie @ Flibbertigibberish said...

Awww! I love when Emma crawls in bed with me. There are days when I LONG for my kids to be in all day school... I'm grateful for posts like this to remind me how quickly time goes and that my heart will ache just like yours!