Tucking

When the boys were little, we developed a bedtime ritual of tucking them in at night. I'm not sure how it all began. I suspect it started when I moved them from the bassinet beside my bed to the crib in their own room when they were around 6 months old and didn't need so much nursing and night care.

It can be scary to move from the familiar to the new, especially if you lose touch with your Mom in the process. While I always kept a night light on for them at first, the room must have seemed quite different and very lonely. I am sure they thought their little world had turned into a frightening place.

I didn't put the whole set of actions together right away, but gradually over time, as I worked with each child, I would add in something that helped calm and comfort each boy until the set of steps became more set. As they grew older, I dropped pieces that no longer seemed appropriate, and by the time Drew came along, we had settled on something like this:

After the kids changed into their pajamas and brushed their teeth, they would hop in bed, giggling and waiting for me to appear. I would come in and sit on the side of the bed and we would chat a few minutes about the day and anything on their mind.

Then I would carefully tuck the blankets in all around their body, making a sort of cocoon to ensure that they would stay warm and safe. I would lay my hand on their head and pray first the "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" prayer followed by a personal prayer that they would have a good night's sleep, good dreams and no bad ones, and wake up in the morning feeling fine.

This was followed by hugs and kisses when allowed, a pat on the legs, then I would tiptoe out, turning out the light and pulling the door partway closed. Sometimes I would get the "Mom?" procrastination question when they were not quite ready to go to sleep.

It had always been a good way to end the day with each son. Now, I am delightfully surprised to find that my two sons take turns tucking ME in! Especially when I have had a rough day. Though today was much better than yesterday, I was exhausted by 9pm and ready to hit the sack long before those two would turn in well after midnight.

Last night Kiel tucked me in. Tonight Drew tucked me in. Its a wonderful feeling to know someone is taking care of you and seeing that you are comfortable for the long night. They leave out the "Now I Lay Me" prayer, but still pray that I will have a good night's sleep and no bad dreams and wake up feeling great (with much emphasis on this part!).

I find I like to be tucked in even though it means I am no longer in charge of my household! Eventually, though, things will return to normal. I no longer tuck the boys in these days. Perhaps they will be glad to no longer have to tuck me in either!