When Sleep Just Won't Come

When you are an adult, you find it amazing how hard kids battle against going to sleep. We crave it, even covet it, yet they are looking for toothpicks to prop open those big tired saucer eyes. I watched the process last night when I babysat Madie. We played Pet Shop and drew pictures of the pets and watched a little TV. Bed time came and she only pressed for one more "Toopie and Binoo", and although somewhat reluctant, went to bed without fuss.

Now our normal routine is a story (which we had) and then lights out. I lie on her bed and either rub her back or her legs to help her sleep. Mommy would say this is indulgent, but hey I am the Grammie. It's our quiet time and she tosses a bit but usually goes to sleep fairly quickly especially if I refuse to participate in conversation. The routine started well last night, but looks were deceiving.

Before I drift off (wishful thinking), she says, did you know that if the ground hog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter, Grammie? I sure hope he doesn't see it this weekend! I agree in my head, but just keep rubbing that back.

What's that noise? It's Elmo, okay I gave in and responded. Even though she knows what Elmo looks like she sits up to look at him. Lie back down or the rubbing will stop. She complies.

Pillow light goes on. iPod goes on the head and she serenades me with Queen and High School Musical. Very entertaining if it wasn't supposed to be bedtime. But the rock just keeps on coming.

The phone rings a number of times and each time I hear, better get it Grammie, it might be Mommy. I hope that when I get back she'll be out... no luck. Once I even tried to sit down in the living room to see if she would sleep. Grammie, I can't sleep. I need my back rubbed.

As much as I don't like to make Mommy the bad girl ;-) I say, Mommy is going to be mad at us if she comes home and you are not asleep! You'll get Grammie in trouble. I hear back, then you better come back and rub my back or we'll both be in for it!

But when I come back in, you don't go to sleep. But I WILL she promises for the fifth time.

She's got me because I'm thinking, well maybe this time the back/leg rub will work. I know it does for me (but I forget I'm the adult here.)

We try again but now she knows Mommy will be home soon because the last phone call was Angie telling me that they were on their way. I prepare Mommy for the fact she's not asleep yet (I tried, but I'm falling down on the job tonight.)

She stops my hand from rubbing every now and then because she's listening for the car. The eyes get big when she thinks she's heard the van and she catches her breath. I shush her and tell her to turn over and close her eyes.

It's so hard, Grammie. When you watch the energy with which they tackle the day, you'd think they'd be exhausted, but then we're thinking from our perspective.

Mommy arrives home and we chat in the kitchen. Madie is quiet... I like to think she's asleep finally, or that she's trying to save my Grammie reputation. I'll think the latter. See you next time, Madster!