Long Nights

December 4, 2025 — 8:45pm

Dear Reese,

We spend the last two nights sleeping side by side. Tuesday night was the worst. I felt like we were back in the newborn days. You woke up after barely two hours, I was just turning out the light, and it was another four hours before you got any solid sleep again — close to 2am. We bounced between crib and my bed and then the queen bed in your room where we eventually stayed. You were in so much pain, little one. I felt so awful for you.

We were both sleep-deprived the next day, when you stayed home from school again. I juggled listening to work meetings and watching you while Cappi had his surgery in Green Bay. All went well with that, but it’s been a chaotic week.

When I tried to put you to bed last night, you wouldn’t let me leave your room. You were still hurting so much and nodded at me so sweetly and sadly when I asked you if you wanted Mama to stay with you.

So that’s how I went to bed before 8 o’clock with you and stayed in bed for nearly 12 hours. We slept side by side on the bed (bracketed by pillows, the wall, and me so you couldn’t accidentally roll off), and all in all it was a better night. Only one wake-up that required a medicine top off, just a few restless cries at 3am. Watching you sleep to 7:45am was something of a marvel.

I did not sleep the full 12 hours, but I didn’t mind lying in the dark with you. I let my mind wander to old stories and took comfort when your breathing slowed, and you were asleep. I didn’t dare move you to the crib so I could be in my own bed.

You woke up feeling so much better today. We took you to school an hour late, and you did well — still on a Tylenol and Motrin rotation, but you were happy to be back around friends and have a change of scenery. Your smiles this evening filled my cup after seeing you hurting so much the last couple of days.

When I lie you down in your crib tonight, you go right to sleep. Fingers crossed for the night ahead.

Love,

Mama