cuddle in chair

Putting the girls to bed at night can actually be really nice.

Ladybug has a surprisingly strict internal clock that makes it easy. For example, in the afternoons she inhales her lunch and then asks to go to bed before her big sister is even halfway done eating. She eagerly hugs me and snuggles into my shoulder as I carry her to her room and tuck her in. At night time, I help her get dressed and then she tries to launch herself into bed but I usually stall with a book, prayers and a short cuddle, just because I love that one-on-one time with her. (Then again there are other nights when I'm worn out and can't get them in bed fast enough.)

Butterfly's routine is more involved and usually involves as much stalling as possible. First she has to go potty and takes an unfathomably long time. She stalls and plays as she washes her hands and brushes her teeth. Putting on her pajamas takes an equally long time and then we cuddle in the chair to read a story. After the story, we typically say prayers and I tuck her in. If daddy is putting her to bed, she will always ask "cuddle in chair five minutes?" He almost always says yes and lets her fall asleep on him (and tries hard not to fall asleep himself). I don't get the cuddle request very often because I usually say no, selfishly wanting her to go to bed so I can go relax or finish some random project. But every once in awhile, it's pure bliss to hold that precious little girl and feel her relax into me, sharing her warmth and listening to her soft breathing.

Tonight she asked "can I cuddle baby in chair five minutes?" How can I resist that? So we cuddled in the chair with her hands wrapped around my belly. The baby was especially active and Butterfly was thrilled. We talked softly about the baby kicking and about how the baby was getting bigger and almost ready to come out. She talked about the things she wants to teach the baby when she gets bigger and the fun things they could do together. Then she solemnly told me that she has to get bigger too, just like the baby, but we would always be best friends forever and ever. "promise?" I asked and she agreed. I gave her a hug and a kiss and she had to hug and kiss the baby too before I tucked her into her bed and said good night.

Please don't forget your promise, please please...