Time Marches On

6:30 yesterday morning.
6:00 this morning.

Wow.

First, let me explain that Jmk and I unknowingly started practicing "attachment parenting" when Poodle was a baby. It's not something we set out to do. It's something that we fell into by way of trying to survive a "high needs" baby as first time parents. It worked for us - that's all that matters. So, having Poodle sleep with us at night became normal, and didn't bother us. She'd start out the night in her crib, and when she needed to be with us, we'd bring her in our room. Later, when she was sleeping in a big girl bed, she was able to bring herself in our room whenever she wanted. (And, we found that she wasn't as in a hurry to do that, since she could do it whenever she wanted. Shocker).

These past couple of weeks, we've noticed hearing the pitter patter of little feet later and later at night/early morning. Then, yesterday, she didn't show up until 6:30am. And this morning, she didn't show up until 6:00am. And she wasn't coming in our room to go back to sleep. She came in because she was UP for the day, (the kids rarely ever sleep past 7am), and wanted to come in for our morning snuggle session. (Jmk leaves early in the morning, usually, and the kids and I stay in bed for 20-30 minutes and just snuggle after everyone wakes up. It's nice. I take full advantage of my opportunity to be a snuggle hog).
Anyway, there you have it. We fussed over her for sleeping all night long in her own bed, and she was so proud of herself. And we're so proud of her!

And you know what else?

I miss her!

I do. I miss her. I miss her smell at night, and I miss having everyone within arms reach during the night. Isn't that crazy? I should be jumping up and down for joy that we are finally on the actual path to one of the kids being able to sleep on their own, for real. But, mostly, I miss her.

I suppose it's because I know that every milestone such as this takes babyhood farther away. That wonderful time where Mommy's kisses can heal booboo's and the world is still an innocent place. She's 3. This is normal.... kids are more biologically ready to be alone all night and are more interested in trying to be in their own bed all night.

But that doesn't mean that I can't get a little verklempt when I think about it.
::smile::