An Open Letter to My Children

Dear Amy and William,

I love you like crazy, but we need to have a little talk, about bedtime. Tonight, for example, it was nearly 10 o'clock before you both conked out.  I enjoy your company all day long, I really do, but all good things must come to an end, and preferably before such an hour.

Now, I understand, I really do.  You had a nap today, William, a nice two-hour long one in the afternoon.  You needed it, desperately, because you have not been napping every day like you once did.  We were up early this morning, and it's a long day for a little guy to stay awake for.  But part of the reason we are trying to lose the nap is because it makes it SO hard for you to fall asleep at night.  And Amy, I know you have more energy than the rest of us combined, and a mere three hours of preschool twice a week is not putting a dent in it anymore.

And I know sometimes I don't help because really, I do so love your company.  You are both the coolest kids in the world.  You are getting so grown up and have so many interests and interesting ideas and thoughts to share.  Especially after the lights go out.  You are both so endearing in the dim glow of the dinosaur nightlight - hair combed and shiny, glow-in-the-dark jammies illuminated.  I can't help but listen a little while longer.  And I know you probably ARE hungry.  Dinner was hours ago, and honestly, as soon as you're asleep, I come down and have a bowl of cereal.  So I can't really deny your requests for a pretzel and a drink of water.

We all love reading together, a lot, and I think it's so cute that you both like to continue reading in bed by flashlight.  I wouldn't mind you doing that until you fall asleep, except that half the time you call me back with requests for another book, or to share an idea.  There's just got to be a cutoff, guys.  My only hope is to go take a shower and become Unavailable for fifteen minutes or so, and hope you'll sort it out and maybe even be asleep by the time I'm done.

See the thing is, I need a certain amount of Mommy-time, just me and the computer/book/yarn/tv.  I simply can't go right to sleep, so if you go to bed late, I go to bed late, and we all sleep late, and this silly cycle continues.

So kids, help me help you.  How can we reclaim a tidy bedtime that is fun, relaxing, and unhurried, and still gets us all to sleep at a decent hour?

Thanks guys.  Love you tons and tons.
xoxo,
Mommy