Whoever coined the term "Cash is King" probably didn't have kids...because as we all know when you have kids "Sleep is (actually) King". I was recently reminded of this fact on Valentines day. It had an innocent beginning, as most stories do, with the introduction to the beautifully adapted 1956 film "The Red Balloon". Harmless! Harmless, unless you are a 2 year old Bebe Bird whose boyhood dream could very well include befriending a balloon, as the boy in the movie had done. This theory was confirmed on Valentines Day when I picked up a slew of red balloons--partly to add color to the humble abode, partly to surprise papa bird after a long day working but mostly to entertain Bebe Bird. Inviting the red balloons into our home was a smashing success. It was love at first sight. There was live dancing preformed by Bebe Bird, followed by running to and fro from the bedroom to the kitchen, Bebe Bird leading the way. The red balloons following closely behind. There was laughter (loads of laughter!). And the balloons joined the enchanted boy for dinner. Night came quickly and Sleep was making it's way to our home. We needed to prepare and didn't give fair warning to our new guests who were hoping this fete would continue through the night. We were winding down-there were stories to be read, bath time with bubbles to be had. The red balloons lingered, joining in on our night time ritual. Sleep is King in our home and Sleep was ready to come in for the evening and get comfy. As Bebe Bird was gently carried off to bed the tired toddler held on,with all his might, to the balloon ribbons bringing them with him to his place of slumber. He nestled into my arms as I gently caressed his face readying him for the sandman. The red balloons hung above our heads moving this way and that-their faint hues visible by the spot light from street lamps outside. And Bebe Bird lied there in the dark captivated- his big brown eyes like saucers delightfully admiring the balloons soaring high above his crib. "Good night" I whispered as he held on to the balloons, one in each hand before dozing off for the evening...
Then 3:45am came. I faintly hear "Mama! Mama! Balloon! Balloon!" A balloon had shifted from its post above the sleeping child's crib moving it's way across the bedroom. Unacceptable. Now there are times when I can't explain why I do the things I do especially when it is 4am, but Sleep is King and my actions made between 2am-6am are usually driven by such a fact. I get up thinking Ill give him the balloon, I'll go back to sleep. I retrieve the unruly balloon. I give it to Bebe Bird, who is now standing in his crib, arms stretched. He looks eager & excited. He's fully awake now and points to the rocking chair. He requests to be rocked. "No" I say. And I'm stern. But sleeps whispering my name and summoning me back to the warm covers left behind just moments before. I pick him up, believing he will go back to sleep faster. I begin rocking him. My eyes shut while plotting my escape back to bed. It's the only thing I can think about. I peek at the toddler being rocked only to discover his eyes w i d e OPEN gazing at the balloons ensuring they don't float away again. "Banana? Bed?"he boldly requests. And gratefully, there's Papa Bird prepared with banana in hand. Amen. Weary and tired we bring Bebe Bird, the red balloons and yellow banana into our bed. He lies between us, still, admiring the balloons with the banana nestled into the crook of his shoulder. He doesn't eat it. I whisper goodnight and close my eyes, reminding him that it's "time to go night nights"fa realz. Then drawing deep breaths I notice his eyes growing heavy with sleep. They begin to close, his grip loosens and the balloons drift off to the top of the nights ceiling as we make our way back to dreamland.
*Epilogue
Since our Valentines evening Bebe Bird has since had the glorious opportunity to enjoy a lovely afternoon with the beautiful red balloons in Brooklyn, NY.
Bebe Bird rocking his Babiators, $19.99, babiators.com
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