Can't Sleep

Today was another one of those fun filled, action packed days. I picked the girls up from school and whisked Julia off to dance. While Julia was at dance Lexi and I hung out on the couch looking at homework and snuggling. Once we picked up Julia we headed home for dinner. Joe went to Kevin's game tonight so we decided on a light pancake dinner. They love to make them and I love the ease of clean up.

After dinner Julia showed Lexi and I her dance. We all chatted for a few minutes and then it was time to get ready for bed. Lexi who normally travels at her own pace, was moving like she was in her own time zone. Getting her to bed took a lot of prodding and too much pouting. "Mom where are my pajama bottoms? "In the wash." that was followed with a slow methodical heavy footed walk and LOTS of whining. Then I headed up stairs to round everyone up only to see Lexi sitting in front of her dresser turning the knobs so she could "watch the flowers spin."

"Lexi why are you sitting there?" She said, "I want my pajama shorts that are in the wash." Then a suggestion from me, "You have another pair of the same shorts in a different color." She said, in a whiny needy tone "I want the shorts I got for Easter." So after reading this you are getting the gist of the night and how smoothly bed time went.

After everything was settled she climbed into bed. I went to tuck everyone in. After I kissed Alexa good night and headed over to see Julia, I heard tiny little sniffles. When I looked down at Alexa, she started openly weeping. Then she said through her tears “I miss Daddy!”

That came totally out of the blue. I sat with her and consoled her. Julia came down and gave Lex a big hug. After some snuggling and rocking, Lexi was finally settled. I said goodnight and headed downstairs. While down stairs I heard plastic rustling. “Girls, what’s going on?” Julia said, “I’m getting a garbage bag.” Then quiet. I heard whispering and knew they were chatting, but I figured they would settle each other down. After a short bit I heard little feet going back and forth, up the ladder down the ladder.

When I went upstairs to check on the girls, Lexi was asleep. Julia was leaning over checking on her. I said good night to Julia again. “Juls, have you been taking care of your sister?” She said, “Yes, but Mom she was sad.” Julia then went on to explain how she got more tissues and a bigger garbage bag. She climbed into bed with Lexi to rub her back. She hid all family pictures from Lexi’s sight so Lexi wouldn’t see her dad. She removed everything that started with the letters J or D. Then lastly she moved the guitar because that reminded Lexi of when Joe sings them silly bedtime songs. Julia did all this just because her sister was sad.
Part of my final good night to Julia was “you get to sleep now.” As I walked away Julia said “Mom, but I can’t sleep when someone is sad.” She was saying that she feels so bad for people that she just wants to care for them. Julia is always there to make her sister feel better. She helps her when she needs it and she gives that extra hug. How lucky is this family to have a daughter in our lives that has such a good heart?

Now here they are sleeping like little angels Lexi still has her giant garbage bag and hopefully they are both having sweet dreams.