Always kiss me goodnight

Our bedtime routine has been pretty consistent for sometime now. Before they could talk we start with the prayer "Angel of God." Then they knew it was bedtime... In the beginning it got some complaints because they wouldn't want to go to bed. However, now it's accepted and they participate. At the end of the prayer we always add, "Good night, Jesus. Good night, Julianne. Good night David. We love you." Then we give kisses all around.

Before they could talk, they started waving at the picture of Julianne and David that we keep on our mantel. This was amazing to us as we had never really pointed the picture out to them. They just seem to know Julianne and David.

We also keep a picture of Jesus with four lambs (Julianne, David, Thomas, and Veronica) next to the picture of Julianne and David on the mantel. Judson bought this for me after Julianne and David were born. We always find Jesus holding His lambs comforting. We took it to the hospital for the 4 months I was there prior to Veronica and Thomas's birth.

Thomas is one to say when it's time to go to bed and is READY when he is ready. So as he began to talk and he wanted to go to bed, he would go toward the pictures of Julianne, David and Jesus and say, "Jeez." He wanted to say goodnight to Jesus.

It progressed to a "Nite, Sissy," from Thomas while waving at the picture. Now they insist on kissing the picture after (or during) the prayer, along with a picture of Jesus. They are also very generous with kissing us and each other goodnight. Veronica even likes to pull everyone in together for a sort of group hug!

Tonight, I was not home for the bedtime routine. Judson got both twins ready for bed (he's a pro... it's a little harder to stick to the routine when you are doing it solo - believe me!). He put Veronica in bed and then was getting ready to lay Thomas down when Thomas said, "Sissy!" and lunged toward her bed. Veronica knew what he meant and immediately stood up so she could accept a kiss from him.

Judson and I extend the routine past their bedtime. We go in together to check on Thomas and Veronica. (...and often giggle on the positions they've put themselves in in bed.) Then, when we are in bed, we say our good nights to Julianne and David. We do these things even when we are not in the same town... thanks to cell phones!

I cannot thank God enough for such a loving family.

Angel of God, my guardian dear

To whom God's love commits me here.

Ever this night be at my side

To light and guard, to rule and guide.

Good night, Jesus.

Good night, Julianne.

Good night, David.

We love you.

Amen.