3 am

Every night for the past 3 weeks I have DREADED,

ABSOULTE DREADED night time.

Because I know it means another night of no sleep,

Burning eyes, weak body, tired feet.

I can't count the times I walk up and down the hallway,

from my cozy bed to baby T's room.

The tucking and re-tucking her back in bed,

the tickling of the face until she falls asleep.

The humming of twinkle twinkle, and I am a child of God.

The nodding off to sleep as my head rest on her crib.

And when I think she's finally a goner,

I tip toe back down the hallway.

I climb into my comfy bed,

Listening to my hubby fast asleep.

And just when my eyes close and I drift away,

I'm awakened by a very fussy baby.

Back down the hall, into her room,

This time I've given up.

Forget the 'cry it out' method,

Forget what the 'Baby Wise' book said.

I scoop her perfect little body up in my arms.

And bring her to my room.

I hold her so close, her forehead buried in the crevice of my neck.

Her whimpering turns to a soft, steady breathing.

Her tiny little arms embrace me,

If she could talk I know she would say "Don't let go."

I press my nose to her head, inhaling her precious baby scent.

A kiss on the forehead, and a tight squeeze.

And then it hits me.

Before I know it, she won't want to be held.

She'll be all grown up, a big girl before I know it.

These are the moments I must cherish,

And I thank God for them.