Putting a big boy to bed...

I glance at the clock - 7:02.

"Time for your bath!!!" I announce with joy. It has been a long day. A day filled with whining and crying and demanding. I am ready for bedtime.

My babies race into the bedroom, already ripping and pulling at their clothes. I undress them, and they excitedly run toward the bathroom. Porgie jumps in, without any help. Izzy grunts and points at the water until someone helps him get in. They hang foam letters on the wall, they splash, they brush their teeth, they splash some more.

I lift Izzy from the tub and drape a towel over his head. He chatters happily, while running to the changing table. He adores our bedtime rituals. I diaper his little bottom and rub him down with lotion. As usual, he tries to eat lotion out of the tube, and gets very upset when I try to stop him. I manage to wrestle him into his pajamas just as Porgie and John makes their way to the changing table.

Izzy and I sit in the rocking chair together. I read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, while Izzy shoves his chubby little fingers into the holes on each page. As John finishes dressing Porgie, we sing 5 Little Duckies.

I take my sweet baby boy to his bedroom. I turn on his sound machine and turn off the lights. He nurses, while I gently rub his fuzzy little head. He grabs a few strands of my hair and absentmindedly plays with them. After a few minutes, he is done. He rolls off my lap and runs across the room. I chase him down and deposit him into his crib, while singing Sweet and Low. He loves Sweet and Low. It always calms him down. I kiss his chubby cheek and whisper, "I love you Buddy."

Our routine is so easy and effortless. It is beautiful really. And so enjoyable. I wish I could freeze time, and stay in this stage forever. My little guy is so much fun.