Funny Cuddles

“I’ve learned…that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.”

I put Little Miss to bed every night. Fortunately or unfortunately, it’s the only way she’ll have it and really, I don’t mind. I feed Little Miss her final bottle, plug in her dummy and turn her to rest on my chest as I rock her to sleep. I KNOW!!! I’m not supposed to do that!!! Well, guess what Gina Ford and all her minions…it works for us and we LIKE it, so there. Not every baby fits into a perfect routine! But, I digress…

The last few weeks, Little Miss has taken to doing the funniest thing when I’m rocking her. She lays her head down on my shoulder, flips back and forth a few times and then pulls back to look at me. Then, with her hands resting on my neck she begins to press her forehead and eye sockets into my chin. Over and over until she finally tires and puts her head back down on my shoulder. It’s so weird! But precious as well. If I’m not careful, she will headbutt my mouth so I have to be prepared. She also really nuzzles into my neck when she’s first settling. Again, almost shoving her face into my neck while resting her arms around my neck. I wouldn’t change this for the world.

Many friends of mine do the “right” thing and put their baby down and let them cry/settle themselves to sleep and that works for them and their babies. But it never has for Little Miss and me. We need that cuddle time for her to settle and sleep properly. And I’m ok with that. Granted, when she’s 5 years old, I’m really hoping I won’t still have to do it, but there’s just nothing like holding your sleeping baby in your arms. She’s home; she’s mine and oh, how much do I love her? I also know that one day, when she’s a teenager and hating me, I’ll miss these times and look back on them fondly. We’ll keep our nighttime routine and I’ll breathe her in and keep these memories close…they aren’t to be taken lightly. Cuddle your baby tonight, break the rules…who’s it going to hurt??