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Aug 12 2008

Night time routines

Category: At Home


This week, Paul is gone and I've come home late from a meeting, a home show, and a networking party. Walking in the door between 9 and 10 p.m., I'm not surprised to find Lucie still awake. Not only is she up, but she's running around or sticking her head in the fridge telling us she's hungry and wants a snack.

Nana has a tough time getting her to go to sleep. But then so does daddy and our babysitters. Seems only mama can do it.

After Nana and I shut down the house for the night, we head upstairs. Usually, Nathan's passed out in my bed or on the couch. (Hopefully Nana reminded him to change into his pajamas so I don't have to struggle getting my semi-conscious son into his PJs.) I pick him up, take him to his bed, and tuck him in. Then I gather up Lucie's bath time toiletries and meet her in my room.

Even if she's already dressed for bed, she'll strip down wanting to take an oatmeal bath. She says the oatmeal makes her eczema feel better, but I know that it gets her ready to go to bed. She likes pouring the oatmeal in the tub as I run the water and add the bubble bath. She climbs in as I get ready for bed. With the heat, I'm pretty hot and sweaty, so I usually join her in our oversized tub. It's very relaxing, especially if I'm still hyper from presenting at a home show or meeting.

Cooled down and toweled off, we perform our individual nighttime rituals. Mine are a facial moisturizer, lip treatment, and eye cream. Hers are powder, diaper, and eczema cream. We both brush our teeth, then climb into my bed to read a story or two.

Finally, I carry her to her own bed along with her book, blanket and sippy cup. Sometimes she's already asleep, but she's fine going to bed if she's awake, too. I tuck her in with a kiss, hug and a "Good night, I love you. See you in the morning." She replies, "Night, mommy," as I shut her bedroom door. It's moments like this that I'm glad she's here and we have the chance to spend this special time together.