Gabby has a very special bedtime routine and we seem to have finally gotten back into the groove after a month or two of wanting to stay up and having a tantrum at bedtime each night. After Gabby's dinner and bath we go into the living room, lay her down with a specific pillow, blanket, and of course Meow. She chooses a show and then we play the show while we all sit in the living room and watch it. Then she drinks milk and watches her show for about 20 minutes. Some nights we read books when we arrive in her room and other nights we do not (it depends on what time it is). When she walks into her room she yells moon. Aunt Lisa gave her this really cool frog that projects blue stars and a moon on the walls and ceiling. First Gabby touches the moon and the she chooses various stars she would like to touch. Her favorite time is when Michael lifts her up high and lets her touch the stars on the ceiling. Then while she is laughing we both give her kisses and then lay her in the crib. Then we say our prayer and Michael and I quickly say good night and leave the room before she starts coming up with excuses why she isn't ready for bed. I know she isn't two yet but you would be amazed at the excuses a one year old can come up with on her own. She will tell us her diaper is dirty, she needs more milk, she is hungry, or start hollering for specific toys or more books. It's funny, but not in the moment. I hope that we are not making Gabby an O.C.D. person with all of the stringent routines we have implemented. I just know that humans are a creature of habit and in my profession structure is a positive thing! I just wonder how difficult it is going to be when we transition her from her crib to a bed. That is a story for another day!
Everyone knows that being a parent is full of sacrifices and some are more difficult than others. So far being a Mom I have "sacrificed" my skin thanks to stretch marks, my youthfulness, thanks to the worries that cause the new wrinkles I notice weekly, my pretty legs thanks to the varicose veins I received during pregnancy that never went away, the comfort of sitting thanks to the back pain I have had ever since pregnancy, a good night’s sleep, and the list goes on... However, none of these things truly feel like a sacrifice (although I do miss sleep and my non-damaged body) they are just part of being a mommy and I wouldn't trade parenthood for anything! Today, however, a very difficult sacrifice was made, although I know it was the only choice. Ranger, the dog Michael and I had for 7 ½ years, was given to a new home today. He bit Gabby on her head when she was about 9 months old and then about a week ago he nipped at her and unfortunately that was the last straw. M
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