Monsters...

My husband has been working like crazy lately. I miss him and so do the boys. He's an amazing father for so many reasons, but one thing I especially love is that no matter what his day at work has been like, he is home to put the boys to bed if it is humanly possible. Most days I really appreciate that. Last night was not one of those times, because he was away on business and the fallout of me never doing the bedtime routine was huge!

I got Zachary into bed a little bit late because we were having a nice chat (yes, yes, he starts these 'really nice chats' at bedtime to put off going to sleep. I know it, I fall for it -I have no spine, but I love his nighttime snuggles!

So, he's only been in bed for about 5 minutes when I hear the pitter-patter of little feet coming my way. Down the stairs he comes with tears streaming down his face, 'Mommy, I'm scared and I miss Daddy'. When I asked what he was scared of he said 'monsters', so I picked him up, took him to his room and proceeded to search the room for monsters. I had thought I was being thorough, until I went to say goodnight and the waterworks started again. 'What's wrong now lovey?" I asked, but he just wanted to talk to his Dad. So, we called Demian. During the course of that conversation I realized that in Zachary's mind, I was actually on the call in order to take a crash course from his Dad on where to search for the monsters! Apparently, I didn't know all of their dastardly hiding places. At this point, I was beginning to get annoyed. I already searched the room once!!! Isn't that enough? I mean - how often do I actually get the TV to myself and I'm spending it searching for monsters??????

After my education on where monsters like to lurk, I finally did a full sweep of the room and declared it 'monster-free'. The smile on his sweet face made it all worthwhile. He was so happy and then, almost immediately, his eyes started drooping from exhaustion. I tucked him back into bed, kissed him and whispered, 'you are safe, Mommy is here'. Then I went downstairs and thought, 'Today, I am a good mom'. I love when days end that way!