Harmonious Bedtime

       I just finished tucking all my little ones into bed, and all but one are already fast asleep. I started singing to my children at bedtime every night back when I just had one tiny newborn in my arms. I know many said not to rock them to sleep or do anything like that, but I couldn't help but steal a few minutes each night to snuggle and sing.  

       I decided I didn't care what the experts said, my baby and I needed that time together, it's what was best for us!

       I had actually started singing a couple familiar songs when I was pregnant with my first. I used it as a simple way to connect each night with this little person growing inside me. It was amazing to see how she would quiet down when she heard those songs after being born. The same was true for the little ones that followed after her. They would quiet down and look around with a relaxed expression of recognition. I am constantly in awe and wonder of all that happens while a little one develops inside my womb!

       Our bedtime routine has expanded and transformed over the years to meet the needs of our little family. The one constant that has remained through it all is song time. We usually read a book or two (this depends a lot on whether or not they have lost this priviledge in the hours preceding bedtime), then say prayers together, and end with singing while stroking their back or arm. On nights when my husband is home, he will come in and join us. He has an amazing voice and harmonizes beautifully. I love the time we spend just blending our voices while watching our children drift off into peaceful sleep.

       It doesn't matter what kind of day we have had, whether we have been at odds and frustrated or working together smoothly, as we end our day we set all that aside and take the time to connect.  Singing allows us to remember what matters most, the love and bond between each of us. I find it very difficult to sing a lullaby to my child and be frustrated with them. It is such a wonderful "reset button" of sorts for me, especially after a long challenging day.

       Tonight after rocking our youngest (who does not have the patience for booktime just yet), my husband came into the girls room to join our song time. Even as she kept her eyes closed, I saw a grin spread across my 3 year olds face as she heard her daddy's voice. It hit me how we weren't just taking time to show affection to our children, but also giving them a nightly "audible picture" of the unity between their parents. As they listen to the musical harmonies, they are reassured of the literal harmony between their mommy and daddy. 

       It is not that we are perfect parents, nor do we have a perfect marriage. In fact, I think it's all the imperfections that make this time so special. We have a moment each night to sing, connect, and often times apologize for the wrongs we have made against each other, before going to sleep. (It's amazing what slowing down, and recentering on what matters most does to convict you.) What started out as a new mommy just wanting a few more minutes to hold her tiny newborn before laying her down, has grown into a gift that benefits our entire family in numerous ways. Regardless of how out of tune our day has been, we get to enjoy a time out and a harmonious bedtime!

       I hope this encourages you to do what is best for each of your little ones, and not just what the newest research or expert advises!

Good night and sweet dreams~

Ginger