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"Mama, falling asleep is so hard. I can’t do it!” Max groans. It is now almost 10:00, and I groan. It has been a long day of errands, and cooking, and thoughts not fully thought. The surface of the stove still has crusty potatoes on it, and the sink is still full of dirty water. Dad is working late, which is one reason falling asleep is so hard to do. I think Daddy has a strong presence that washes peace over this four-year-old’s mind.
“How about you go get some books and sit on the couch, and I’ll come in just a second.” He trots to the bookshelf, and probably about 1000 seconds later I finally come. He has already looked at his four books (because he is four), and I ask if he still wants me to read.
“Yes,” and he curls up next to me on the couch, getting as close as he possibly can. He nuzzles and pushes and squirms until he finds the perfect spot. (This is one reason God made mamas softer than daddies.)
“Ah, a chance to snuggle and be close,” I think. I gently rub his arm as we chant, “Dum Ditty Dum Ditty Dum Dum Dum!” We don’t snuggle as often anymore. I miss it. I wonder if it because I am busy with baked on crusty food or because he is four. It is probably a combination of both. (But snuggles and food are both nourishment, and our stomachs growl for the former.)
Daddy comes home and takes the boy to bed. His snoring is soon the backdrop to our conversation before we too succumb to slumber.
Maybe reading out loud is so important not just because it focuses our minds on the same topic, creates a love of knowledge, and is the first step to literacy, but because it actually brings us closer together physically and strengthens the security of our relationship.


Max’s four book choices were:

Hand, Hand, Finger Thumb by Al Perkins. (I love this one. I have childhood memories of my Mama reading this to me and my cousins. This is not necessarily the best bed time book though. It’s way too much fun!)

Go, Train, Go! (A Thomas & Friends book.)

The Nose Book by Al Perkins (“But just suppose you had no nose!”)

Crossing by Philip Booth (The art in this book is wonderful. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially if your little one loves trains and details. I am actually planning on making copies of the art and framing it for our playroom.)