I creep up the stairs on tiptoe, keeping to the very edge of each step at the side closest to the supporting wall, skipping the fourth from the top because it squeaks no matter where you step on it. I leap sideways at the landing, onto the only silent spot, then take a giant step forward and to the side into the sitting room. Keeping to the edge of the room, near the railing, I tiptoe my way into the girls' room, making sure I step only where the boards are sure to keep the noise to a minimum. Then, I peer into the crib to make sure all is well, cross to the twin bed to cover and kiss my angel before retracing my steps carefully out of the room. It is an art as much as a science, this wraith-like traveling, but necessary. Maddie, you see, is a fitful sleeper of late and detects even the slightest of creaks if she's not deeply asleep.
As I rest gingerly on the love seat to read a few pages before heading back downstairs, Miguel makes his grand entrance. With nary a thought to the easily awakened babe, he climbs the stairs, flat-footed and dead center, a calamitous mounting that I'm sure wakes Hades himself. His transit across the room to give a last goodnight to his daughters is no less cacophonous and I sit cringing, waiting for the inevitable piercing cries. When none is forthcoming, I sigh inwardly, foolishly afraid to breathe too loudly and wake the baby. Miguel kisses me goodnight and climbs, in the darkened room, into bed -- where two rattles and a binky were carelessly left atop the comforter. He lifts and shifts the covers and rattles go flying, one crashing with a loud clang into the metal scrollwork of the footboard. Miraculously, astoundingly, Maddie sleeps through it all.
"Are you quite through trying to wake the baby?" I inquire softly as I creep next to the bed. He grins at me sheepishly, turns over and proceeds to fall asleep, snoring loudly in minutes.
1 comment:
lol
We moved our babies into their own room with their own door for two reasons. First, because we had the very same problem you do! Sam just didn't seem to be careful enough about his noise level for my comfort (whether it actually contributed to their waking or not . . .) and I found it nearly impossible to sleep when I kept waking at ever sigh. We decided that from across the hall, I would hear the important cries that needed answering and hopefully be able to sleep through the little sighs and grunts that didn't need my attention. I still heard them, of course, but eventually found myself capable of sleeping through it. All this to say: I know exactly what you mean!
My verification word is VERTL. I don't know why I felt I should tell you that, but there you go.
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