Something's shifting at Fluffy central
Getting Fluffy ready for bed is usually Dave's territory but last night he was out at his new illustrators’ group so I took the helm.
It usually involves singing and shepherding him to the bathroom, brushing teeth to a made-up Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird story followed by flossing, anti-cavity rinse, the washing of hands and face and more singing on our way to his room where pajamas have been set out.
When Dave sailed out the door, I was at my little desk which sits along the back wall of our bedroom, hunched over my keyboard.
Bye bye, darling! he called. Have fun! I called back not moving an inch.
After a few minutes, Fluffy called in a sing-song voice from the other room.
Fluffy: Mommy! Daddy left!
Me: Yes. I know, honey! (Still sitting before the glow of my monitor screen)
(Silence.)
Fluffy: Well, isn’t it time for bed?
Me: Yes! Why don’t you go wash up and brush teeth?
Fluffy: But, don’t you or daddy usually do that with me?
Me: Yes, we do. But why don’t you do it by yourself tonight?
(Silence.)
Fluffy: Okay, mommy!
And off he went.
(Five minutes later.)
Fluffy: Mommy! I did it! I’m done!
Me: Wow! That was fast! Why don’t you get into pjs?
(Silence.)
Me: They’re on your dresser in your closet, in the basket.
Fluffy: Okay, Mommy!
Two minutes later, he appeared in front of me in a matching set of pajamas, his arms lifted high in the air, victorious.
Fluffy: Look at me! (beaming) I did it!
After we climbed into bed, read stories and whispered our last words into the darkness, I kissed him goodnight and made my way to the bathroom. The mirror was half spattered with toothpaste and half smeared with the marks of the efforts to wipe it clean. The washcloth Fluffy had used was slung over the side of the laundry basket. His toothbrush was in the cup; the toothpaste top clicked back in place.
I can't remember seeing a more beautiful sight in all my born days.
Wow! The bedtime, the sleep has always been such a difficult piece of the parenting puzzle--how satisfying to feel it slip into place! I love it. Sweet dreams, Fluffy!
Posted by: Anamaria | January 12, 2008 at 09:09 PM
YEAH FLUFFY! I remember this when Noah did these things too by himself the very first time.......it is an amazingly great feeling isn't it!?
Posted by: Melinda | January 12, 2008 at 07:36 PM
How awesome is Fluffy!? And how awesome are you that he has such a strong sense of self-confidence that he went and tried —AND SUCCEEDED —all on his own without a big fuss? You knew he was ready and so did he. Poor Dave, he needs to find a new routine now! ;-)
Posted by: Niksmom | January 12, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Wow! What a powerful accomplishment! Something most take for granted. Fluffy must be so proud of himself.
Posted by: Barbara | January 11, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Way to go Fluffy! I am smiling picturing the smeared mirror and used washcloth. A beautiful sight, indeed. I would have probably checked on those things before and ruined the moment! I remember your posts from a year ago, rubbing his eyes, it is when I first read here and thought, oh my god! someone else is doing those things with their kid!
And look at our big kids now, all independent and calm. Great news!
Posted by: Lori at Spinning Yellow | January 11, 2008 at 10:20 PM
horray... these 'little' victories are SO HUGE... HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE! I love it... I love it when Bub surprises me with his independence. Go Fluffy (and momma!).
Posted by: ~ danielle | January 11, 2008 at 09:50 PM
"...Around the corner...or whistling down the river...c'mon de-liver to me...something's coming...something great is com-ing..."
Sorry I just had to sing a little West Side Story to you to celebrate this AMAZING development.
My God. It's like the song; knowing that it's there, it's coming, but when? The sweetness of the moment? And now it's here. And so effortlessly.
Remember a year ago? You squinched in his bed, waiting, soothing, massaging?
And now this?
My God. God is good. No. Scratch that. You're good. He's good.
Thanks for a great post.
Posted by: drama mama | January 11, 2008 at 09:21 PM
What an awesome moment! :-)
Posted by: Steph | January 11, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Go Fluffy!
Posted by: Jenn, mom to 2 | January 11, 2008 at 07:45 PM
tres lovely! showering next?
Posted by: kristina | January 11, 2008 at 01:47 PM
wow wow wow awesomeness.
Posted by: Zoely | January 11, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Hurrah! Sometimes having something change just a little (Dad being gone at bedtime) is enough to change things a lot, no? And that illustrators' group, doesn't that sound fun!? Northampton just seems FULL of creativity. It fairly oozes from the sidewalks, I think. :)
Posted by: amy | January 11, 2008 at 01:38 PM
That is SO wonderful! Yippee for Fluffy!
Posted by: kate | January 11, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Hooray!
It's amazing what they can do "like a big boy", as my son is so fond of reminding me, when given the chance. Lately, I'm pushed out of the bathroom for the bedtime (and morning!) routine, as my son declares he needs his privacy. As if!!
Go Fluffy go!!
Posted by: kristen | January 11, 2008 at 12:00 PM
ROCK on.
Posted by: Special Needs Mama | January 11, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I've decided that living vicariously through your life is way better than living precariously through mine.
It...the bedtime accomplishment...is wonderful.
Posted by: M | January 11, 2008 at 09:59 AM