After you refused to allow us to change your diaper and put you in your pajamas, little one, Mommy and I picked you up, plopped you in your crib, said goodnight, turned out the light and closed the door.
No pajamas.
No books.
No brushing of the teeth.
No cuddles.
No kisses.
A complete break in the routine. A complete absence of the love and affection that usually ends our day.
As Mommy closed the door behind her, we held each other, feeling like terrible and great parents at the same time.
“What will we do when she starts calling for us?” I asked Mommy.
“We’ll give her one chance,” she said.
“Okay.”
No chance was ever needed. You fell asleep immediately and never made a peep.
I couldn’t believe it.
Your disobedience probably had more to do with exhaustion than obstinacy.
I sit here in the wee hours of the morning, writing this post, waiting for you to wake up so I can kiss you and hug you and tickle you. All of the things I missed last night when I had to be a good parent and do the right thing for you instead of the right thing for me.
I’m a selfish man, little one. This parenting can be hard.
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