Can I sleep in your bed mommy?

My answer to this question is no. I am always available for cuddles, but when it comes to bedtime, mommy’s bed is a no-go. I’m a big believer in routine. Whatever that means with 3 boys under 10. But it’s true. And having started this parenthood clusterknot with twins almost a decade ago, routine has always been a mainstay in our house.

So. No. I love you. But you can sleep in your own bed. Or in my kids’ case, you can all sleep huddled together in Braylon’s bed. Because for whatever reason, they do that. They all have their own rooms but they smoosh together in one of my 9 year olds’ bed every night.

But tonight was different.
Mommy has been working long hours for the past week. She hasn’t seen her boys much. She has missed dinner every night and comes home tired about 12 1/2 minutes before bed time.

So when posed with the inevitable nightly question.
Can I sleep in your bed mommy?
I paused. And looked at my boy who misses his mom.

His little voice muttered “I haven’t sawed you much today”

...so I smiled at him and opened the blanket. His face lit up as he and his stuffed monkey crawled in beside me. Whether or not it was tiny human manipulation doesn’t matter. What matters is he needs me. And I see that.

Can I sleep in your bed mommy?

Sometimes routine should take a backseat to what a little heart needs. And as a mom, recognizing that doesn’t make you a pushover. It makes you aware.

Can I sleep in your bed mommy?

Yes of course you can buddy.
And I won’t regret it for a single second.
Even if my arm does fall asleep and your foot ends up jabbing my cheekbone at 3:17am.

Love & Hugs,

Nicki, Momming all the Boys