Goodnight Baby

Last night as I was laying you down to sleep I realised just how precious these moments are and that they will slip by us in no time at all. I had to stop myself from feeling sad at the thought that this won't last forever and remind myself to remember that very moment. Before I gave you your final goodnight kiss I dashed out to get the camera so that I could capture you forever, at 20 months old, with your bed buddies and your smile and your sleepy eyes. 

Bedtime is one of my favourite parts of the day, not because you are going to sleep (by my bedtime I actually miss you and always come and see you for a quick cuddle and kiss), but because of the time we share and the bonding we do and the love that we show. You are at your most affectionate right before bed and in those moments I can see the love pouring out of you. It is in the way that you look at me and in the way you hold yourself close. It is in the kisses you give and it lines your sleepy little smile. Your love is so pure, unvarnished from the world. It is unconditional and I know it is forever mine.

Each night before you go to bed, we change in the lounge room and watch you try to put yourself inside your sleepy suit. We collect your bed buddies - Mr. Rabby, Bunny, Giraffe, Owl the music, little ted, piggy and your pink fluffy blanket. Then you take us by the hand and we all walk down the hallway to your room where we throw your buddies into bed, one by one, and giggle at the way they land. You put your hands in the air and say up.

Last night Daddy picked you up and you placed your wee little head on his shoulder and wrapped your arms around his neck and patted him on the bed. You then reached your little arm out to me and pulled me in close, put one arm around my neck and the other around your Daddy's and placed your head between ours. My family, having a family cuddle, requested by you. My heart skipped a beat! I stood there and melted. 

You pulled back and gave me a kiss. Your Dad a kiss. Me again. Dad again. Then you laughed at how silly you were being and so we all laughed with you. Daddy passed you to me to lay you in bed, we kissed each one of your bed buddies goodnight and put them in place.

You said 'bauble please', I gave it to you and began to drink waving goodnight to your Daddy and I. 

I stopped at the door to look at you just a minute longer because I know this phase will soon pass and I want to remember these moments for as long as I can. You are the most precious little baby and I love watching you grow but I will miss seeing you so small too.