Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Growing up is hard to do

I knew it would happen eventually, its why I was not worried about it or trying to fix the "issue". I just didn't think it would happen so soon. Its also probably not a permanent, instantaneous change, but its the beginning of the transition. Last night the monkey did not want to fall asleep on lying with me on the couch, like he has for the last 21 months. He finished his milk and very clearly said, nigh nigh before he struggled to get away from me saying NO! AWAY! as he pushed against my chest. Normally he finishes his milk, turns around to face me and snuggles into my chest, slowly falling asleep as I play with his hair and tap his back.

Sigh,

He let me hold him for about 10 minutes before he started saying nigh nigh again. I picked him up and took him to his crib, where he happily pulled his covers over himself and snuggled down to sleep. Not knowing if he wanted me there or not, I left the room. He called me back. Apparently I am allowed to sit next to the crib but not hold him. He probably will be back to "normal" tonight, but I think this is the beginning of the end for our snuggles. He's always been a very independent boy and he will fight for every bit of independence as soon as he can get it. And I will give it to him, along with a piece of my heart.

7 comments:

chall said...

awww... I got all mushy and teary eyed now. (hormones I tell ya!)
sounds bittersweet and lovely at the same time.

I guess it is one of those "they grow so quickly"... good luck tonight.

PhizzleDizzle said...

ahh, me too, all teary. little boys are such heartbreakers...

Cath@VWXYNot? said...

Aw, so sad. But just think of all the joy and fun that lie ahead as he moves into new and exciting phases. (So my sisters-in-law tell me anyway - that with each stage you lose one thing but gain another).

This is the good thing with cats, if you get friendly ones they don't grow out of the snuggles. (And yes, I know it's not the same!). With kids you have to have another one! ;)

Marimoy said...

*sniff* hope all goes a little less rough tonight.

Anonymous said...

Awwww!

I have to say that Cameron has NEVER really done that. He's never actually expressed a desire to go to bed. Never. Not once. He has asked me twice to leave him alone to go to sleep, but within five minutes he wants me back and we're back to him reluctantly accepting when I head out again.

I do hope it's only just a tentative start for him, that you'll be back to snuggling him to sleep again tonight!

Isis the Scientist said...

You science broads are really getting to Dr. Isis tonight. Little Isis used to fall asleep with me and he has a real big boy night night routine. It has still involved us rocking for a few minutes before I tuck him in, but I know that the days of that are limited.

Perhaps Dr. Isis needs another baby.

The bean-mom said...

"...a piece of my heart."

Ohhhh, I'm tearing up here, too!

Bean-girl sometimes now tries to fall asleep on her own. She's not there yet. But the first time she ordered me out of her room without snuggling, I felt quite bereft. Then two minutes later she announced that she couldn't fall asleep and wanted me back =)

Here's to them not growing up *too* fast...