I love bedtimes.

And not just because it means that I get some rest...and the house is quiet. However, that's always a nice perk as well. But more because it's during this time that the boys become my cuddle monsters. We have a routine every night for settling down: bathtime, jammies, rocking together and watching about 30 minutes of American Idol, Skating with the Stars or a movie, turn off the t.v. and read a book or two and rock some more, then lay down together and sing a song. Zachary usually requests "Hush Little Baby First" but then ALWAYS requests "Rocket Racer" after that. When Lucas was an infant that song was a surefire way to put him to sleep. I've never found a sweeter, more appropriate lullaby for my two little boys.

Rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, we'll find the mouse
And I love you
Godspeed, little men
Sweet dreams, little men
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "Amen," wherever we are
And I love you
Godspeed, little men
Sweet dreams, little men
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

(Dixie Chicks, Godspeed)

The other nighttime ritual that Zachary and I used to have is kisses. Now, we'll still give each other kisses every night, but when Lucas was born and I was working on Zachary sleeping in his big boy bed we had a special good night kiss which was lip kisses, eskimo kisses and butterfly kisses every night. Somehow we've gotten away from that over the last year or so. I don't know why...maybe because it was something between just the two of us and now Lucas is right there too. Why mention all of this now? This morning, out of nowhere, Zachary gives me lip kisses, eskimo kisses and butterfly kisses. My heart soared. There's nothing more precious in this world than holding your child and having him express his feelings of love to you.