Sweet Dreams

It didn't take long for Calvin to find a reason to cozy in on the top bunk. As it turns out, a faulty sippy cup propelled him upward.

When the leaking cap left his bed sopping wet just minutes into nap time we were both happy for an alternative literally steps away. Cal climbed up the ladder, settled in with Pooh, and closed his eyes.

Still, a two-hour nap is different than a twelve-hour night. He was allowed to nap up there (but sleep down below) for a week before we were confident that he would stay put.

Isn't he adorable? A sleeping child restores all gushy, lovey-dovey feelings that might have waned slightly during the three hour-long "why?" game, or the forty-five minute "but I don't want to pick up my toys" stand-off.

Sleep, child, sleep.

Bath Time with Pooh Bear

Poor Bear is still a beloved member of our family. He has taken up permanent residence in Calvin's bed and goes back and forth to school each day for nap time.

Needless to say, he requires frequent washing. Fortunately he's washing machine compatible.

I usually scrub him with a brush before sending him for a spin. But this time, as Calvin was hopping into the tub, I thought that Pooh Bear might just want to go for a swim, too.

Turns out he did. Just look at that water! Poor Cal had to rinse off afterwards.

Pooh Bear is especially cuddly after he's washed properly and "nice and warm" from the dryer.

Ready for another week.

"My Animals"

Calvin has been a one-stuffed animal kind of guy for as long as I've known him. He's all Pooh Bear all the time. That is, until we left Pooh Bear at the hotel while we were at the Magic Kingdom.

Cal was ready to drop off for a nap but was distressed by his missing pal. But c'mon ... we're at Pooh's house -- surely he was there somewhere! Indeed, we found six or seven versions of his friend at a nearby store, and Cal found solice in all of them.

In rare form, I purchased one of them -- a new friend for the original Pooh, and maybe even for Calvin. It did not, however, induce sleep. Oh well.

Returning home, however, we found that he fit right in and found himself in surprisingly good company. Not only did Calvin welcome two armfuls of yellow bears, but suddenly wanted all stuffed animals he's accumulated thus far.

He wants each of them in his crib and brings them downstairs with him in the morning. I returned home from work to find he and dad snuggled up with them, watching the Wiggles.

Speaking of the Wiggles ....

Bad Dream, Good Night

Calvin awoke tonight as if from a bad dream. I found him sitting up, clutching Pooh Bear almost as a shield. Poor thing.

I picked him up and he quieted right down, put an arm tightly around my neck (with the other holding Pooh) and rested his head on my shoulder. I held him and hummed, "Jesus Loves Me" a few times before deciding to sit down in the rocking chair. Why rush this?

It's a different experience to comfort a 20-month old than it is a baby. For one thing, he's twice the size that he was when we spent nights in this chair, nursing. Now, instead of cradling him comfortably over my shoulder, his knees touch the seat; he kneels over my shoulder! And he's quick to change positions on his own, settling onto my lap as if we were going to read a book ... or as if I was Santa Claus! Still, he's able to find comfort from my touch, and Pooh's, and I'm grateful.

After a while I put him back in his crib, but he wakened and stood up crying. Happy for the chance to comfort and cuddle with him, I offered to lie down with him in Mommy and Daddy's bed. He accepted the offer and snuggled right in with his head under my chin.

Oh. I remember this feeling. I loved snuggling with Calvin when he was just home from the hospital. We had the Moses basket by the bed and I would bring him in with me to nurse at night. It's rare, now, to have any quiet time with him. It's a treat to have him on my lap for a story or to tie his shoes!

Just as I'm getting used to this, he flips like a pancake and his feet are in my face. Literally. His big toe is touching my nose. This is not nearly as lovely at first, but as I remember my connection to these little feet that used to reach out for me from within, I take hold of one and kiss it. Calvin's feet. I love these feet.

Then he's back again, this time lying diagonally from the top right corner to the bottom left. It leaves little room for me, much less for me and Dad, but he settles into a deep sleep here; his hands are open and relaxed, just like Grandma likes them.

I'm not sure how I'll bring myself to move him back to his crib, but I have time to figure that out. I'm not tired, anyway.

Mid-Night Adventures

Around midnight, the tornado siren at the school next door let us know that trouble was afoot. Eric and I discussed our options and decided to heed the warning and head for the cellar. I grabbed Calvin, Pooh Bear, and a blanket and went downstairs. Eric followed with the pack 'n' play, a cell phone, and the laptop.

In our 1860's home, the lowest level is truly a dug-out cellar; good for laundry, storage, and a half-bath, but not much else. Even the stairs are tricky. It has been the only area off-limits for Calvin.

So while there's a freezer with food, pantry items to share, and a toilet, it's still not a desirable place to spend a lot of time. However, when a tornado heads our way, we're glad to have it.

Calvin loved it. I think it was the combination of being awake in the middle of the night and the chance to explore new, forbidden, territory. He was content to stay in my arms until we had his make-shift bed set up, we kept the lights down low and whispered "night-timingly" until he fell asleep again.

The excitement ended within a half-hour and we returned to our regularly scheduled programming. Strong storms hit a town not far away, but we were safe and sound.

Calvin is no longer cutesy when he goes to bed; he's all business. He does permit me to hold him while we say "night-night" to the world outside his windows and pull the shades. But when Pooh Bear beckons from the crib, Cal leans his weight forward until I have to let him go. Such a big boy. Fortunately for me, he's still cute when he wakes up.

The morning light reveals a child with renewed energy, ready for the day. But nap time is a different story. Waking from his nap, Calvin is calm, he wants to be held. He excitedly points to things hidden from his eyes during sleep, but it's too much to take in at first, and he rests his head against mine. Once again we dance cheek to cheek.

On a good day, I can hold him while he has his afternoon snack, too. But let's be honest, no matter what his energy level, every day that Calvin wakes up is a good day.