Late Night Secrets

There is something about late late night -- that sort of ethereal time around 3am when the whole world is asleep. Depending on your state of mind it can be a terribly lonely time, but when all is well with your world, it can be a magical hour.

Ellie often wakes in the deep of night in need of a bottle and a diaper change. I was up with her last night, and after I fed and changed her, we sat in the rocking chair in her nursery for a while, communing.

Deep night is a time for secrets and quiet words. She slept in my arms and I looked down on her perfect face, lit by her turtle nightlight, and I saw so much promise there. So I whispered to her while she slept and told her all my hopes and dreams for her. That she will be happy and healthy. That she will be loved and cherished long after I'm gone. That the world around her will find its way toward peace. That she will grow up independent and confident and free.

Sometimes it's easy to focus on the downside of late night baby time, the hassle of waking up or the cost to your ability to function the next day. But there are positives to being up in the middle of the night, too.