Nighttime reflections

There is something so wonderful about bedtime. The kids and ours. I love being up last, after everyone has gone to bed. I get to shut down the house for the night. I turn off the main lights, turn on the hall light and check on the kids. I go into Isaac's room and tuck him in. He's looking so much like a little boy now, he's lost all that baby look. Has it really almost been 4 years since he arrived and changed our lives so much? I usually end up turning him around in bed so he's not hanging half off the bed. A quick kiss on the head and stroke of his hair and I'm out the door.

Into Norah's room, where I check the temperature on the space heater - she sleeps so much better in a warmer room. I almost always have to cover her up, and pull her doll out from under her. Soon she will be sleeping in the bed instead of the crib. Has she really gotten that big? Norah has such a sweet little snuffly snore when she's lying on her back. She's a light sleeper, and it's so hard not to play with the curls that fan out on the mattress. I just love her curly hair and it's such a wonder to me as mine is anything but curly.

Then after a tooth brushing and face washing, I'm turning out the hall light and heading to our room. I love climbing into bed at the end of the day. Ruby is usually flaked out on my side of the bed, and between her and Rob I can usually find some room. It's so cute to see both of them sleeping - they look so alike that way. Well, except for the beard. ;)

The end of the day brings peace to what are often long and crazy days. Rob and I get chance to check in on our day's highlights and have a couple of laughs before we sleep. I love getting to tuck our children in before sleeping. I can see them at their most peaceful, their little faces flushed with sleep and cozy blankets, hair all over the place. It brings such joy to me to have these moments at the end of the day. No matter how busy or wild the day was, bedtime is a reminder that tomorrow is fresh and ready to take on. That we have spent a day living, laughing and loving together.