'Twas Two Nights Before Christmas

'Twas two nights before Christmas
And all through the house
Every creature was stirring.
We even woke up the mouse.

The children were tucked in their beds
With great care,
And with my foolish hope
That they just might stay there.

When the midnight bell tolled
I heard a voice, small and sweet
That was slightly distressed.
Time for baby to eat.

So he nursed and he nursed
And I kissed his warm head
As he drifted to sleep,
Then I headed for bed.

I pray I don't jinx it,
But could I be quite done
With my tired nightly duties?
I might sleep 'till the sun!

But fate was not kind.
I was dealt a poor hand
For in less than two hours
I was summoned again.

"MommaDadda!" I heard
Then a small pitter-patter
So I got out of bed
To see what was the matter

"I want juice!" The girl cried,
Her voice tiny and bright.
"I'm awake!" Then she smiled
"I'm all done night-night!"

No you're not! My voice Grinch-ish
Or perhaps rather Scrooge-y
My frequent awakenings
Now making me moody

I got her some juice
And tucked her in tight
Then I looked in her eyes
And I pleaded "Good night"

But not even thirty minutes
Had yet dared to pass
When I heard more loud cries
From that two year old lass.

"I sleep in YOUR bed!"
As she opened the door
I looked at my bedmate and asked,
"What's one more?"

He nodded agreement
So she snuggled inside
Our modest-sized bed,
Now three people wide.

So cramped up and cozy
And drifting to sleep
For a full thirty seconds
No one made a peep!

I looked at the monitor
When I heard his first cry.
And what did I see there
But two wide, glowing eyes

I knew in that moment
This was not just a feed
He was wide, wide awake
Hi Mom! Play with me!!

So, To all of the mamas
Up feeding their young
And to all of the dads
Rising long 'fore the sun

Take heart, for one day
You will sleep till sun's light.
Merry Christmas to all!
And to us a good night.