Here lately, we have fully experienced the "family bed". It's not something we intentionally started, but it seems to have developed over time. It usually starts in the middle of the night, just when we have drifted into a deep sleep and then a sick child either calls us or comes into our room. Sometimes we have to deal with barf or pee-pee clothing and then, rather than trudging (all the way) back to the child's bed, we take the path of least resistance and let the child sleep in our bed. He/she loves being in our bed...loves sleeping between us on our pillow and with our covers. I think they are soothed by our warmth, smell (really?!) and presence. Usually our child falls asleep immediately and sleeps contentedly through the night. Nick and I, however, awaken frequently feeling a super-hot body against us, or with a leg or arm slung over our head or from a kick in the back. The other reason for coming to the "family bed" is bad weather. Rachel has an innate sense for bad weather and if she hears the slightest rumble of thunder, she comes running. She is truly scared and, again, we allow her to sleep in our bed. Because, really, what's the alternative? We don't want to squeeze into her twin bed and we might be able to get a little sleep with her in our bed. Again, though, she immediately dozes right off and snores to her little heart's contentment. I asked her the other day if she was scared of thunderstorms once she's gotten into our bed and she said, "no, because I can feel you and daddy's warmth and I feel safe."
So, at this point, Rachel and Bradley are the only ones who know about the "family bed". Until Trent gets moved from his crib to a bed; then I'm sure he'll catch on pretty quickly.
Yes, there are times when I wish the "family bed" wasn't used as frequently, especially on a hard week when we're dealing with lots of sickness or storms. We do feel more tired the next day from the interrupted sleep and the kicks from warm bodies. But, I also know that one day our kids won't want to sleep in our bed anymore. For now, I'll enjoy giving them the contentment and security and warmth that our bed and our presence provides them. And I'll enjoy watching those sweet faces as they sleep in complete relaxation. I'll enjoy feeling their warm little bodies and listening to their sweet breathing and snoring. They are such precious little children and I'll just enjoy them.
Because before I know it, they won't be kids anymore.
Rachel and Natalie
the 1st Graders singing their songs
Rachel and her boyfriend, Tristan
