Daphne

Being a baby, Finn usually goes to bed earlier than the other two kids and he wakes up well after they’ve left for school. He does wake up in between for feeds but his nighttime sleeping routine starts at 9pm and ends at about 9 the next morning.

During that time, his siblings will come into the room to kiss him at least twice – once to kiss him goodnight when it’s their bedtime and again to kiss him goodbye when they leave for school. It’s all sweet and good but all this kissing usually means that they’ll rouse him from slumber and make him upset. Which makes me upset because there goes my quiet mommy time to get some work done.

Last night, Kirsten came to kiss baby Finn and for once he didn’t stir. So she decided to yell “WAKE UP BABY FINN, JIE JIE WANT TO KISS YOU!!” into his right ear. It obviously worked because he woke up and started bawling.

After I finally got him back to sleep, I decided that it was time to lay down some ground rules.

“Kids, we need to lay down some ground rules.” I said with the sternest voice I could muster. “First, no shouting when Finn is asleep. You’ve got to use your quiet inner voice. Do you know what that is?”

“mpphhh pfhhh ssssss?” Kirsten cupped her hands over her mouth and whispered.

“I have no idea what you just said. I don’t mean talk like a fish, just talk quietly but it is still intended for humans.”

“I said, is it like this??” she repeated.

This time, it was well above a whisper, but slightly softer than her usual speaking voice. It would have to do.

“Well, yes, slightly softer would be good but this is fine,” I said with a sigh. “Number two, no more kissing. You can think of other ways to show your affection, as long as you don’t go near him or touch him.”

“How about we give him a pretend kiss?” Truett suggested.

“Sure, that’s ok. Pretending is good.”

“Can we pat his face?” Kirsten asked.

“No, that violates the no-touching rule. Think of something else.”

“I know, we can stand very far and wave to him,” she ventured helpfully.

“Ok, yes. I think you’re getting the drift. You guys can make monkey faces at him for all I care, just make sure you be quiet and don’t touch him, that’s all I ask.”

I knew it was a mistake because I could see her eyes sparkle the moment those words left my mouth.

Let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised if they spend the next few days making monkey faces at him. But then I guess it beats having her yell in his ear. This is me picking my battles.