Goodnight Cricket

Mama's little sous-chef

My little sous-chef was quite a happy girl today helping me around the house. You would have never known she was up every two hours during the night or decided 6:30am was a perfect time to wake for the day. Silly girl, don't you know sleep is fun? I think she was a wee bit confused on the recipe binder. No, sweetie, you don't eat the binder, you make the recipe and eat that. Oh, how I love her and all her curiosity!

I could just eat those little fingers right up!

We read Goodnight Moon every night as part of Cricket's bedtime routine. Most of the time she tries to eat the book. Tonight we sat on the bed like usual, and I began reading, "In the great green room..." Cricket sat beside me like a little lady and for the first time I watched as her eyes followed each page. She didn't try to eat the book, she just sat and enjoyed the story. She even looked up at me several times with a big grin and a little giggle as I read the all too familiar words, "Goodnight comb and goodnight brush....goodnight nobody, goodnight mush."

I was thrilled to give her a big smile back and affirm that this was indeed a relaxing and enjoyable activity to end the day. My heart just burst with pride as she listened to her story with obvious joy. I managed to snap a couple quick photos with my phone to remember the moment. I didn't capture the smiles that she gave as she looked up at me, but I have them in my mind to hold dear.

This is life to the fullest. This is what makes my heart sing. I may be exhausted from too many sleepless nights, but it's all worth it for moments like these. Sleep well, baby girl.

Goodnight stars,
goodnight air...

...goodnight noises everywhere.

xoxo, Rachel

P.S. Here is a sweet review of Goodnight Moon. I love that she refers to it as a lullaby.