Midnight Madness

I have a bad habit.

My kids ARE NOT snugglers. And I am a snuggler. So ever since Eli was a baby, the only time I could snuggle him was in the middle of the night when he was sleeping. And so my bad habit emerged. Some nights, right before I would go to bed, (usually around midnight), I would sneak in his room, get him out of bed, bring him in my bed, and snuggle, snuggle, snuggle him. He is was such a great sleeper that usually he would  sleep through it.

Through the years I have continued to do this,and have now included Hallie in my bad habit. Only Hallie is not such a great sleeper, and so when I get her out of bed, and bring her to my room and try to snuggle her, she wakes up, fights being snuggled,  and it ends up being a time where Ryan and I laugh at her because she acts so silly. (Because my kids are always sillier when they are woken up in the middle of the night).

Well, the other night Ryan was watching the kids and getting them ready for  bed. He later told me of a conversation that conspired between Eli and himself.

ELI: Dad, I want to wear my red pajamas that match Hallie. (Their Christmas pajamas).

RYAN: Why?

ELI: Because then mom will sneak in my room and get me out of bed. Then sneak into Hallie's room and get her out of bed. And bring us into her bed. (I am pretty sure the last time I got them both out of bed they were wearing their matching pajamas. So I am sure in his little mind it only happens when they are wearing matching pajamas).

RYAN: Ok. We will put your matching pajamas on. (laughing).

So what was a mother to do?

Sneak into their rooms in the middle of the night and get them out of bed, of course.

This is what I wanted to happen:

This is what really happened:

 

The best part is. When I am done playing, I just tuck them back in thier own beds, and the quickly drift back to sleep. No arguing, crying, or fussing.

I love our midnight playdates!