It's a love/hate thing.

Here they are, all ready for bed. Bedtime equals a Carter madhouse. It is unavoidable, every night bedtime creeps up on us. It is a time of relief because the kids will be asleep and the adults get some alone time, but to get to that point is basically like a broken record. First it's PJ's on, then brushing teeth, lastly get in bed. Simple right? I wish. What about...I'm thirsty. Where is my stuffed animal? Will you lay with me. (me:) Where did Owen go he is supposed to be in bed?Now i have to pee. Now I have to poop(not me :)). Lets talk about motorcycles. Can we sing another song? Can we read another book? I want another kiss. I don't want a blanket. I do want a blanket. No ni-night time. Need I go on? You see this simple bed time routine turns into a major event. After all this I am definitely in need to my downtime. But don't forget about the post bedtime visits I often get.

All in all, I really do try to cherish these crazy nights. I do know they will not be like this forever and I will miss them when I am no longer needed/wanted to help them. I enjoy the sweet routine they know to expect, seeing the kids in their cute jammies, singing with/to them, and most of all the endless hugs and kisses I demand.

And best of all is going to check on them before I go to bed when they are all sound asleep......looking so innocent and small, yet so big, and quiet and comfortable and sweet, and perfect in every way. That is when every stress from the day melts away and nothing but love is felt. I get to cover them up and give them one last soft kiss before 6:30 a.m. rolls around and I am jolted awake for another adventure.