love sleeping children

Subscribe to DailyOrble

Receive a daily e-mail of Orble's most popular posts

Mum's Word - January 2007

WHY DO YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN MORE WHEN THEY’RE ASLEEP?

January 30th 2007 01:42

And why does inspiration to write find me in the wee hours of the morning when I should be sleeping? In any case, I digress.

Why do you love your children a little more when they’re asleep? I remember hearing this line in an advertisement a few years ago and it resonated with me.

Like most parents, every night before I go to bed I check in on my children. Even after I’ve gone to bed I often have an overwhelming urge to get out of bed and go back and have another look. I watch them sleep for a while. Listening to their breathing and watching their chest rise up and down; watching all the little twitches and involuntary movements their bodies make while they sleep; I look at their hands, their feet, their ears, nose, eyes and mouth; wondering to myself ‘are they are really comfortable in that position?”

But it’s true. I love my children a little more while they’re asleep. Why? My instant response is because they look so peaceful and vulnerable. I just want to envelop them with love and protect them. I could sit there for hours but I’m sure the urge to hug them will be too much and I’ll end up waking them. And that can’t be a good thing for anyone at 3am.

On the lighter side of things, maybe it’s because they’re not talking therefore not whinging and whining. Let’s be honest, it helps.

But when they are asleep everything is stripped away. All the baggage of the day is gone and there is nothing but a child and a parent and of course, love.

131

Vote

Add To:

Subscribe to this blog

Email this post to a friend

Start your own blog

[ Link ]

Posted By: Mrs M - Category: Children

Related Posts:

Relate This Post

Recent Posts:
      STUMPED BY MY 5 YEAR OLD
      MRS M's TO DO LIST
      TEACHER APPEARS NUDE! SO WHAT?
      MATES AT SCHOOL GATES

[ Previous - QUOTATIONS ABOUT MEN, BY WOMEN VIII ]

[ Next - BLOGGERS SUED FOR DEFAMATION ]

Comments

29 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by katyzzz

January 30th 2007 03:43

Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art

Yes, with that we are in complete accord.

Love and stuff,

katyzzz

Comment by Kleonaptra

January 30th 2007 03:54

Kalikapsychosis

I do not have kids, but I understand you perfectly. One look at my kitties curled up brings a greater "awww" than ever when they are awake, and to see one of my horses laying down asleep just tugs my heart.
But most obvious - My Fiancee. When awake he's a powerhouse of opinion, fully animated, but asleep, his perfect long black lashes fall on his pale cheeks, peace surrounds his form and I could just sit there and stroke his doll perfect black hair off his forehead all night. Why asleep does he inspire in me my most fierce protective and loving urges, when awake I usually want to wring his neck?

Comment by David

January 30th 2007 04:45

Mrs M ...

I don't have any children. Don't plan to have any ... I love children, as long as they're other people's ...

But one thing?

I certainly love a lot of adults more when they're asleep ... (most especially modern people masquerading as painters ... ***

David ...

Comment by Mrs M

January 30th 2007 05:14

Mum's Word

Hi katyzzz,

Happy to hear it.

Hi Kleonaptra,

Yes yes yes. Growing up I had cats as pets and yes I felt the same way then. You're onto something. So it's not just parental love - it's just love.

Hi David,

Modern people masquerading as painters? Dare I ask?

Thanks for the visit and the comments.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by Ahmed

January 30th 2007 09:05

techy.Bytes
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Qwerk
Cinema Three

They look cuter asleep.

I don't care what anyone says, thats the truth.

Thank you.

Comment by Mrs M

January 30th 2007 10:49

Mum's Word

That is the truth Ahmed. Absolutely spot on.

Thanks for the visit and the comments.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by DuskDevi

January 30th 2007 12:12

Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007

Hello Mrs M...

Oh I know...there is just something and it's not only because they're finally quiet!
With the youngest....his looong lashes filtering shadows upon his cheeks and his little cherub lips and his little hands and...ohhh, he's just lovely.

The thing is (technical term)....even when they're older...they just look so...young and vulnerable...and this great big ball of protective energy just grows inside and you wish you could just throw it over them and shroud them in your protective veil.

And then they wake up and totally piss you off because they're part of a generation of young adults who need to learn that parents, after a certain age, are safety nets not hammocks.

grrr.

Sigh...love.

And why does inspiration to write find me in the wee hours of the morning when I should be sleeping?

...me too! I call this The Switching Hour...
(I'm awake because my husband is away and I don't bother sleeping)

Be well Mrs M...

DuskDevi

Comment by Jeanne Dininni

January 30th 2007 12:28

Writer's Notes

So true! While my youngest is now 18, I do remember those days--and with them my almost obsessive inability to relax until I'd checked to be sure the children were covered so they wouldn't become chilled as they slept on those cold winter nights! So many times that concern drove me out of my own warm bed in the middle of the night!

Children are wonderful--always, and yet--in an especially magical way in peaceful slumber!

Be well!
Jeanne

Comment by Mrs M

January 30th 2007 12:39

Mum's Word

Hi Dusk,

Well I have littlies and they very much think I have an open bed policy. I had two (plus hubby) in my bed last night and I moved to the foot of the bed because I was too buggered to do anything about it. (That whole writing thing I try to do

And why don't I just boot them out before they get there? Guilt. Nasty thing guilt.

When I was there age, I would do the same to my mother. Climb into bed with her and she never once kicked me out.

Aaaaaarrrrggghhhh!!!!! I have no recourse.

So yes, they're gorgeous in their own beds. Different story when they're in mine.

Thanks for the visit and the comments.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by Mrs M

January 30th 2007 12:42

Mum's Word

Hi Jeanne,

Does the urge to check up on them subside as they get older?

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by Jeanne Dininni

January 30th 2007 12:53

Writer's Notes

For the most part (as long as they're fairly responsible)--but I will say that the urge to tell them what they "should" do is a bit harder to overcome!

Jeanne

Comment by DuskDevi

January 30th 2007 13:10

Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007

I love having our youngest in bed with us but not when we are sleeping...
When he's sleeping, he's soooooo beautiful...his little fingers entwined in our hair...yes, it's ouch but lovely...his face, his freckles, his eyelashes...why oh why do they grow in to teenagers?????

BUT...it is impossible to have him sleep in our bed while we're trying to sleep...for the smallest member of our family he sure as hell takes up a lot of space!

(an aside...wow...quite a few people awake still on Orble...notifications popping up all over the place!)

At one stage...we had 5 under the age of 12 dive all over us in bed...if they did that now we'd die!! The 4 eldest are 6' and over!

Hope you get your bed back tonight Mrs M.
Guilt free.

Comment by DuskDevi

January 30th 2007 13:12

Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007

...I learned my lesson about that whole urge to check on them when they're older thing...

My eldest is 21.
He has a girlfriend.
Enough said.

Comment by Ash

January 30th 2007 22:11

Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories

*lmao* Dusk, blinded! Certainly blinded!

I don`t have any kids Mrs M but have dealt with enough of them to know that when they are sleeping?? BEST time of the day. I took my brother and my cousin Christmas shopping a few years ago...oh my word! At one stage they were having a snow fight...in the middle of the mall...in the Christmas display! And I stood there like an idiot, teeth clenched, trying to get them out of there. That night, when they were sleeping? Well the thought of grabbing the pillow and suffocating them did flash through my mind, but was quickly gone when one woke up, gave me a sleepy smile and out stretched hand...lovely!

Kids certainly are a joy, but at the moment it is an even better joy when you can give them back to their parents

Ash

Comment by Mrs M

January 30th 2007 22:54

Mum's Word

Oh Dusk you didn't!!!! Oh my goodness. I shouldn't laugh but I guess that was one of those moments in life where a gazillion thoughts can run through your head in a second.

Wow 5 under 12. That's impressive. I have a 15 month old, 3 year old and 5 year old. I'd like to have a large family but I just don't think I'm made of the stuff. Maybe one more.....hubby's looking nervous.

Hi Ash,

Oooh how very cute. That dreamy smile. Especially when they try to stay awake to see you but they are just too tired.

But yes, probably not a good idea to smother the children, it's a tricky one to get out of.

So running a muck in the christmas display. Did you feel all eyes on you?

Thanks for the visit ladies and the comments.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by Cibbuano

January 30th 2007 22:57

20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak

I've seen my friends look with relief when their twin boys were asleep.

Comment by Anonymous

January 30th 2007 23:14

I think when I was two years of age I wanted some warmth and slept underneath Dads pillow. Not sure I actually remember that, or if I have just been told, but anyway, Dad woke and freaked out that he had killed his only son. Ah well... these things happen.

When I was 8 or something, my parents friends used to say "oh, hes such an angle" and they used to reply with "yeah, when hes sleeping"

I do like sleeping

Great post, Mrs M

- Anthony

Comment by Mrs M

January 30th 2007 23:15

Mum's Word

Hi Cibby,

Twins? Relief? I'd be heading for the bar. I take my hat off to anyone who has twins, triplets etc. Amazing stuff.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by Ash

January 30th 2007 23:23

Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories

Did I feel all eyes on me Mrs M? YES! Did I want to climb in there and throttle them? YES! Did they listen to me? NO! *lol* ah....so funny when it is not you that has to deal with it!

still rofl at Dusk! my word! cringe......

Comment by Hope

January 31st 2007 00:20

Gifted Parenting

I confess that I do watch my daughter sometimes when she's asleep. Seeing her so peacefully sleeping makes me feel peaceful as well.

Comment by Mrs M

January 31st 2007 01:31

Mum's Word

Hi Anthony,

And your dad didn't notice that his pillow seemed a little more lumpy? LOL. That's great. Not great that he thought he killed his only son, but a great story.

I like sleeping too. I miss it so

Hi Ash,

Yep, I'm still laughing at Dusk's story too.

Hi Hope,

Yes, it's amazing how calming an experience it is to watch them sleep. I find that too. I can walk in there all wound up and walked out relaxed.

Thanks for the visit and the comments.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by DuskDevi

January 31st 2007 02:00

Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007

Mrs M....Ash....

Because we are such a big family, we have a lot of privacy and space rules...We have this knock 3 times and wait for a response policy...wait 10 seconds if there is no response...but I honestly thought someone was in pain...to this day I wonder...why couldn't I tell the difference?

It's called naive denial (...naivede...)

My son was amused (after his initial embarassment) but his girlfriend (whom I just adore) was mortified!!!

I have since fitted a lock on his door.
And no longer check up on the older children sleeping....

Dusk

Comment by Ash

January 31st 2007 02:09

Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories

*ROFL* oh my word my mother would have dragged me out by the hair and probably shot the guy, even if I were 21! We had a rule in our house....no boys down the passage - even using the loo was a priviledge!

but I honestly thought someone was in pain...to this day I wonder...why couldn't I tell the difference?

you are toooooo funny! *lol*

Comment by Mrs M

January 31st 2007 03:45

Mum's Word

The loo was a privilege? What a sight. Boyfriend hanging on the best he can because no sir, loo is a privilege in this house. I shouldn't laugh. My dad was the same.

Dusk...naive denial. That's a good one.
My client pleads not guilty Your Honour. She is suffering from naive denial.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by MelissaA

February 1st 2007 08:30

Fun Facts

maybe it’s because they’re not talking therefore not whinging and whining.

That one gets my vote! ; )

Comment by Mrs M

February 1st 2007 09:07

Mum's Word

It's true. It may not be very "PC" or a "romantic view of parenting" but absolutely 100% true

Thanks for the visit Melissa and the comment.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by Wendi

February 2nd 2007 06:56

Hmmm.... I think I love everyone a wee bit more when they're sleeping, because when they're sleeping, they have no expectations of how my love for them should be expressed, and I have no expectations of how my love should be received. The love simply "is".

Comment by Wendi

February 2nd 2007 07:00

Oh, and about writing happening at late hours, I have a theory. My best ideas come when I'm no longer fully awake, but not yet completely asleep. If the idea is ripe, it'll nag me 'til I get out of bed. If the idea needs to ferment longer, I'll dream of it, or wake with that as my first thought.

I think the ideas come during that "tween" time because our conscious mind has let go of control but our subconscious mind hasn't yet begun to distort the imagery of our minds.

Just a theory.

Comment by Mrs M

February 2nd 2007 08:21

Mum's Word

Hi Wendi,

Good comment about love. It makes a lot of sense.

I also agree with your theory about writing. I think it has a lot to do with our subconscious and conscious minds letting go into free thought. I just hate it when I don't drag myself out of bed and then in the morning those ideas are gone.

Who needs sleep anyway?

Thanks for the visit and the comment.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

[ Previous - QUOTATIONS ABOUT MEN, BY WOMEN VIII ]

[ Next - BLOGGERS SUED FOR DEFAMATION ]

Add A Comment

To create a fully formatted comment please click here.

CLICK HERE TO LOGIN | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Name or Orble Tag

Home Page (optional)

Comments

Notify me of replies

Notify extra people about this comment

Is this a private comment?

List the Email Addresses or Orble Tags of the people you would like to be notified about this comment

One per line max of 30

List the Email Addresses or Orble Tags of the people you would like to be notified about this private comment thread. Only the people in this list will be able to see or reply to your comment.

One per line max of 30

Your Name
(for the email going out to the above list, it can be different to your Orble Tag)

Your Email Address

(optional)

(required for reply notification)

Submit

July 2008

1 Posts

June 2008

1 Posts

May 2008

2 Posts