Snuggle

Seems like a fairly innocent word, right? Now try it repeated incessantly and in a slightly manic tone. Congratulations...you've just gotten a glimpse into bedtime at the Jenest house.

When Ryan was a baby we were adamant that he learn to "self-soothe." We had read and heard enough horror stories about preschoolers invading the marital bed, thus squashing any chance of romance between two already exhausted parents. Besides, selfishly or not, we enjoy our sleep and prefer not getting kicked/poked/smacked, etc. in the middle of the night. At least not anymore than we already do to one another. So, we diligently followed the rules to establishing a good sleep pattern for our little man. Sure it took some willpower to not "snuggle" our bean to sleep every night, but we knew it would pay off in the long run. At least, we hoped.

Fast forward a couple of years, insert a big boy bed and a (not so scary) thunderstorm several weeks ago and suddenly we have a recipe for disaster. Gone are the days of shutting off the light, listening to a few songs on the ipod and kissing our little man goodnight. Instead, we have to "snuggle" or, in my case, squeeze my adult size bottom into a child size rocking chair in the corner of his room and work on my computer by electric candle light. Sad, huh? But a last resort after a few missed deadlines while hubby was traveling overseas.

Unfortunately, this stop gap activity has quickly turned into a nightly ritual. Each night, without fail, when the last story is read and the light goes out, my darling son looks at me with wide eyes and asks, "Will you snuggle?" Which is quickly followed up with, "Or do your work in the little rocking chair?" Ahhhh...just the words every mother longs to hear.

When I think some of the seemingly unbearable, and at the same time, highly entertaining, phases we've been through in the past couple of years (anyone remember the pterodactyl?) I know it's only a matter of time before we move on from this one. If not, I guess we can always upgrade to a California King :-)

A new leaf

Vacation seems to have this profound effect on me. The first day or two always feels a bit awkward. Like I'm not quite sure what to do with myself when not tethered to my computer. It's a strange combination of irrational fear that someone at work may discover that I am, in fact, dispensable, mixed with the sensation that I may actually be experiencing life as it should be...without the constant ping of emails and ring of cell phones.

This vacation was no different. In fact, the clarity of past week has caused me to be so bold as to NOT be working at 9:30 at night, but rather to be doing something I truly enjoy...recording the sweet memories of the past few days here...lest I forget this feeling and revert back to my old ways!

Thus, begins a new chapter in my somewhat irratic blogging life. This time, I know better than to make any promises, but I'm happy to be back on the wagon...for the time being, at least. And since our little man now has the vocabulary of a five year-old, it seems a bit silly to write from his perspective. Trust me, he leaves nothing to the imagination! Instead, I hope to simply to capture a few snapshots of our life as a family of three. So, check back often; and as one great friend did recently (thanks Ang), feel free to give me a kick if you see me slipping back into old habits.