Thursday, October 2, 2008

Hush, Hush

I'm doing something bad, something warned against by pediatricians and all the parenting books. And I don't care one bit. I love it.

I'm napping with Evie.

This past week, I have been fighting a tough cold. I need to rest. But as anyone with a toddler knows, you don't get much rest when they are awake. So, when Evie naps, I nap.

We curl up together in my bed, and Evie asks "Cuddle?" Oh, she has the sweetest voice. I drape my arm over her little body. Then she whispers "Hush, hush." Those words are from her newest favorite song, Mermaid Lullaby, and they are my cue to sing.

I love this song, and especially the first two lines:
Hush, my little darlin',
You've had a busy day.

As I sing, Evie settles into me and calms down. I watch her in all her drama as she squeezes her eyes shut. Her little eyelids flutter for awhile, and then her breathing evens out. In just minutes, she's in dreamland.

This week, I've been so exhausted that I've drifted off, too. I can't explain how sweet it is to sleep next to a child. Evie is so small and beautiful and warm and cuddly. We curl up together for an hour and a half, until I hear her rustle the covers and her little voice pleads "Out!"

Even though we're sleeping, it's precious time. I adore it.

And, no matter the expert opinions, I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

8 comments:

Scarlet O'Kara said...

There is nothing wrong with sleeping beside your sweet baby girl. I do it all the time with mine. They sleep longer and so do I. Plus I get to drink in some of their innocence.

Anonymous said...

My four year old climbs into bed nearly every night. He doesn't start out the night. He has to start in his bed but when he wakes up at 3am he comes into our bed and I'm just fine with it....we'll see how okay I am with it when the baby is born ;) you nap with that little sweetie all you want. I wish my parents would have let me come to their bed sometimes when I needed more comfort.

Fiona said...

I'm so tired today. Soooo tired. And I'm planning to nap with Iain later. I agree - there's something indescribable about sleeping with your baby right there.

As for the experts, it amazes me how much energy goes into making parents worry that they're going to scar their child for life. Honestly. And this from people who sell books where maybe 25% of the advice works worth a hoot.

Jen said...

I don't think there is anything wrong with taht either! Now I'm sleepy!

hubbameister said...

snore!

Alexandra said...

Nothing wrong with enjoying that beautiful little girl as long as possible! In a few years you will look back and be glad you did!

And sometimes we have to remind ourselves that sometimes doctors don't know best. The past few times I have taken Sweet Pea to the doctor he can't tell me what is wrong. lol.

Ashton said...

How sweet!

Heather said...

That is so sweet. Enjoy it as long as you can. My 9-year-old woke me up night before last because he had a bad dream. I let him snuggle up with me and off to sleep we went. Of course I had to escort him back about an hour later...enjoy this while you can.

:)

In my opinion, a ped doc that is against a nap with one of their babies, don't know what they are missing.