Night Night Little One

We just spent an hour playing in bed. First you sat leaning against Mommy grabbing your toes and reaching for Daddy's old yellow and white blanket. When you had enough of sitting up, I put you down on your tummy and you got so excited when you flipped yourself back onto your back! Then Bucky the Vegetarian Monster came to give you a kiss good-night. You squealed and waved your arms around with excitement and accidentally punched Bucky in the left eye. Bucky lost his temper (he's a monster after all), and there began the play fight.

Bucky jumped onto your belly right away and was going to really stomp on your chest with his stubby little legs. You "eyed" his speed and when he came within arm's reach, you brought your right arm alllllllllll the way up and BAM! BAM! smacked him right between the eyes. Twice! Bucky was taken by surprise and fell backward onto your tummy. Humiliated, Bucky did a back flip to bring himself up (show-off), and this time his big sharp teeth were coming straight for your little button nose! You tried to shake him off by kicking your legs out, but he held on. He was steadily inching forward, and you could see his teeth getting bigger with each step. You started to freak out a bit, kicking your legs out so hard your whole body jumped.

In Bucky's head, he was imagining himself terrorizing the streets of Tokyo destroying buildings and bridges. You saw a window of opportunity to grab his left arm. Maybe you could then throw him off of your tummy like a Judo master. You reached out and tried to grab his arm, but soon you realized you couldn't because stupid Mommy put mittens on your hands to prevent you from scratching yourself while you sleep! How could she not know that you might need your hands in a pre-bedtime fight with the green monster?! Bucky's white sharp teeth were only inches away from your nose!! In the last minute, you curled your fingers in, making the mittens into boxing gloves and pounded Bucky's mouth repeatedly! Bucky lowered his head to protect his mouth, and you started biting the top of his head (okay... more like gumming). Before Bucky could figure out his next move, you drew your legs up, pinned Bucky down with both arms, twisted your torso and threw him off to the side.

Then you lay spread-eagle, panting and soaking in the hard-earned victory.

While Bucky lay limp on the edge of the bed, you rolled to the opposite side to seek comfort in Mommy's arms.

"Sleep softly, little one," Mommy kissed you on your forehead, "we'll see you in the morning."

You fell asleep almost instantly. The room was warm and quiet. Bucky was right next to you with a wet spot on his head. Your cycle elephants stalled in mid air and were all looking at you with a smile on their faces. Mommy gently stroke your hair, marveling the fact that Daddy and I made you, a strong big little boy with dark bushy eyebrows, big brown eyes, rosy chubby cheeks, pink full lips and a whole lot of personality. You're the best thing in my life, and what a true miracle your are.

Suddenly, you started squirming and sounded like you were having trouble breathing. Worried, Mommy pulled you away a bit so I could take a better look at your face. For a brief moment, your eyebrows knotted and I couldn't hear you breathe.

Then you burst out giggling, in your sleep!

That melted my heart and tears started rolling down my cheeks. Night night, my happy little boy. Thank you for reminding me that what I do matters.

The Victor and the Monster