My late night searches for “Toddler Sleep Regression,” have turned up one piece of advice time and time again: “Remember, this is just a phase.” Over the last two weeks, in my drowsy-eyed, less than patient, sleep deprived state, I have been holding that piece of advice near to my heart in an effort to preserve my sanity. Someday, I will sleep again. This is just a phase.
So, this is the phase of sleepless nights. The phase of bedroom doors opening in the dark, the phase of your head peeking around the corner long after you should be dreaming. This is the phase of whimpers that wake your baby brother so that it seems he will never learn to sleep through the night. The phase of early morning wake-up calls and a noisy toddler climbing into bed in the middle of the night. The phase of nap time struggles.
This is the phase of too many tantrums, of an independent streak that runs a mile wide. The phase of messes and spills everywhere I turn. The phase of that ornery gleam in your eyes as you do exactly what I just asked you to stop doing for the fifth time.
This is the phase when sometimes, I long for nothing more than some quiet time alone.
But, to be fair–
This is also the phase of contagious giggles that radiate to the tips of our toes. The phase of your unprompted prayers that leave my heart bursting with love. The phase of unwitting humor out of your learning mouth. This is the phase of imagination and intrigue. The phase where each day is an adventure, and I get to see that twinkle in your eyes every time you accomplish something. This is the phase of monkey see, monkey do, where all you want is to be just like Daddy. The phase of pointing out everything you see so that, suddenly, the world seems brand new to me, too.
This is the phase where my touch can heal all of your bumps and bruises. The phase of, “Color with me, Mama?” and, “I help you?” The phase of one hundred good night kisses until your cheeks are red; yet, as I walk out of your room, I hear your tiny voice say, “More?”
The phase where life is so sweet and simple.
So yes, sweet boy– you may wake me up at 3am as you crawl in for cuddles tonight, and tomorrow night, and the next night after that, if that’s what it takes for you to sleep. Because this is all just a phase.
by Jaybie D. 
by Brittany Moore 
by Charissa Bates 
by Crystal Ligon 
by Ashley Butler 
by Alaine Flynn 
by Amy Keyes 
