Looks like I have a dilemma on my hands.
For some time now #2 has been lamenting over the fact that he has to sleep alone. The injustice of having to spend his entire boyhood as a bachelor is nearly unbearable.
The other night he had a nightmare that woke him up (involved a maniacal dinosaur who enjoyed snacks of small boys). He crept out of his room where his father found him sitting in the corner, unsure if he should come into our room or go back into his own.
We snuggled him into our warm bed and tried to squeak out the last few precious minutes before the alarm clock rang. But he wasn't interested in going straight back to sleep. Instead, he rubbed my face, he kissed my cheeks, he gave me the tightest hugs you can imagine. Then he began to whisper sweet nothings into my ear.
"Mommy I wuv you." (still workin' on those l words)
"Love you too, Monkey."
"Mommy you the best mommy in the world."
"Thanks, Monkey, now go back to sleep, kay?"
"Kay, Mommy... Mommy, you hair is pretty." (obviously blinded by sleep deprivation)
"Okay, Monkey. Do you want to go back to your bed?"
"No."
"Okay, then be quiet, Daddy has to get up soon."
"Kay... Mommy?"
"Shhhh."
"I wove you, Mommy."
This went on for about 30 minutes. And, while I thoroughly enjoyed all of the ego boosting show of affection, 4:15 in the morning is not the best time for it. And, of course, he drifted pleasantly off to sleep at the precise time that I had to get up to prepare breakfasts, lunches, and backpacks for the day.
Then, two nights ago, I found him snuggled into bed with #1 (who he refers to as Brother). And, last night, again he scurried into #1's bed, only this time Brother was not interested in playing host to his heartfelt shenanigans. He was yelling for him to get out of his bed immediately which led #2 to feel hurt, which led to #2 getting angry, which led to #1 getting punched.
Here is the dilemma: Do I make him stay in his own bed?
I love having him cuddle up with me, but I don't necessarily want to make it a habit, and I certainly do not want #1 to fall victim to his compulsive bed hustling. At the same time, isn't that what brotherhood is partially about? Sticking up for each other, being close to each other, letting your lil' bro climb into your bed and hold on to your hand when he's scared, even if it's a bit annoying (as long as there is no more punching)?
So, readers, this is my dumb mom SOS. Feel free to share your thoughts on this one.
