Night Crawlers

This is a story based on our experiences of getting our little ones to sleep… neither of them slept through the night for 13 months, and so sleep was a precious commodity in our house for about 3 years.

With pacies and bottles and blankies at feet,
The challenging task is long since complete
Of getting our daughter to stay in her bed,
A process that’s much harder done than is said.

But now that at least a half hour has past,
We’re proud that our efforts are certain to last.
The time-buffer’s gone, we’ve nothing to fear
We mutually agree that the coast must be clear.

So into her bedroom the two of us sneak
One sweet sleeping baby – two parents’ proud peek.
Then all of a sudden, a jerk and a shrill
At which we instinctively both stand quite still.

Does she see us? Just how could we know,
Both of us blind amid the night-light’s dim glow?
If so, it’s clear to her Mom and to me
That the night grows much longer for all of us three.

With us in mid-step, one more stir, one more peep…
Our fear has come true – she’s no longer asleep.
And once that she knows that we’re walking about,
It’s for certain that she will break out in a shout.

Quick, hit the deck! We both drop to the floor…
Our cover is blown if we move an inch more!
This mission’s been upgraded – now a true covert-op.
We’re locked in position ‘til she comes to a stop.

Peering (and giggling) through each other’s eyes
We savor the moment and treasure soft sighs.
The goal of our efforts is perfectly clear –
To establish sweet silence as all that we hear.

I in my night shirt and Mom in her gown
Stay perfectly still ‘til she’s all settled down.
And then like two cats – sly, stealthy and sleek –
Off toward the door we cleverly creep.

Shhh…not a sound…we’ve come much too far –
No knocking or squeaking as the door’s pulled ajar.
Then out to the hall with her door now shut tight
We tip-toe away to ensure a good night.

Survivors, creators, we do what it takes
To protect and preserve our respites and breaks.
While having a baby is simply the best,
A close second is therefore a well-deserved rest.

The End