I hear laughter, I hear squabbles, I hear "I was in here first!" from the little sister with the knife sharp squeaky voice and the quick bossy response "Well, I don't care!" from the big brother who loves to put her in place. I hear kids running around, more laughing, more shouting - tickle fight! And then I hear the father demanding calmness and "get into bed!" with that typical tired-after-work-I-just-want-peace-and-quiet voice. And then he leaves. His duty is done.
"Your turn. They want you to say good night..." says the father and places himself in the sofa after the usual taking-forever-bed-time-procedure... Some evenings are quicker than others. But they are easily counted...
I've been tucking in kids and saying Good Night for a good 13 1/2 years now. Every-Single-Night... Or maybe that is not true. Maybe there has been a dozen nights when I've been absent from this family routine that comes with parenthood, but not more. This is a part of parenthood you don't really think about before you start having kids... You start thinking about it after a good 7-8 years when exhaustion kicks in and your big dream is to have JUST ONE NIGHT when everybode could put themselves to bed quick and quietly without stories, a million kisses, a billion hugs, and going through the never ending list of animals when singing "Old Mc Donald had a farm... One night only...
But this evening it was different. Little sister and big brother might have had fights and squabbles, played chase and tickle fight but when I come upstairs they are just in need of ONE kiss and ONE hug and "Please can I have 5 minutes of reading before I turn the light off?". And suddenly I fear the day when they won't ask me to give them good night kisses and hugs...
And that boy that was lying flat on his back for a full week in hospital and was so poorly just a week ago... I have no idea how I'm gonna be able to keep him still for 3 months as the doctor has ordered. Jumping on our bed already... That little monkey of mine. :)
I'll take my chance to say a big THANK YOU to you all for being there for me in hard times, sending me sweet private messages as well as comments and sharing your thoughts and stories. It means the world to me to have your support.
I'll take my chance to say a big THANK YOU to you all for being there for me in hard times, sending me sweet private messages as well as comments and sharing your thoughts and stories. It means the world to me to have your support.
Kärlek
Annette
FOLLOW My Rose Valley HERE:
Those are the sweetest photos! Precious memories indeed. Mine have long left that stage and I miss it dearly, but of course at the time it seemed it would go on forever. Mine will soon leave the nest, one to brave the adult world on her own and the other off to college. Where did the time go I ask myself?! Precious memories...
ReplyDeleteCute pictures of the little kiddos...I'm so glad to hear that your son is recovering nicely.
ReplyDeleteSmiles, DianeM :)
I just want to send you hugs as this warmed my heart!
ReplyDeleteTake care!
Terrific pic. When my girls shared a room, they'd mess around or chatter forever. I had to start sending the baby to bed a half an hour earlier. Now they have their own rooms.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post, I know exactly what you mean about the trials of bedtime. But how we will miss it all one day. I'm so glad your son is doing well. And I know how hard it will be for him to take it easy as ordered. My eldest had a plaster down the whole of his leg last summer (skatepark - broken kneecap) and he was out in the garden before I knew it trying to play football with his straight leg and crutches. I'm hoping your boy heals quickly, and I hope that you're starting to feel a little easier now as well. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteLovely to see Luca bouncing with joy. The goodnight routine is a special part of being a parent. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI love they way they look so different in behaviour. Great photos and heartfelt words. Jo x
ReplyDeleteHa ha, I love these pics and the story they tell! Bedtimes don't often go that smoothly do they? Love to see your happy family though.
ReplyDeleteS x
Oh Annette, what a special post and what precious, precious photos. You have been so blessed. This has really made me think. It is easy to let that impatience enter our voice especially in the evening after a busy day and we are longing for just five minutes peace and quiet. How we need to treasure those moments they will be gone all too soon. Abi is eighteen today but I still go in and kiss her goodnight, she has grown up too quickly. I really must make the most of Josh at ten years even with his aptitude for delaying bedtime. Thanks so much for sharing. Xx
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