Eventually I had to leave the late 1970s behind. As inspirational as they may be.
This morning’s revelation is brought to you by 1984. Cyndi Lauper’s “She’s So Unusual” was crucial to my development. Of course “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” was a big hit, but it was “Time After Time” that really touched me as a kid. Even as an eight year old I liked to sit in my room occasionally and wax poetic. Throwing myself to the ground passionately as I sang along “If you fall I will catch you…”
But not until I had Emily did “All Through the Night” go through my head over and over again. Night after night, dare I say it, time after time.
The last few nights have been sleepless reminders of her newborn days. The tossing and turning of pregnancy is tolerable. There are moments, sometimes hours of deep sleep, peppered with trips to the bathroom and uncomfortable rolling over and rearranging of pillows. But there is sleep. These last few nights, however, have been long trials. Preparation so my body can remember it’s amazing ability to function on “rest.”
Last night I encouraged MQD to go ahead and head out to see our friends. His Saturday night outings may be few and far between in the coming months. I climbed in to bed alone and could feel the impending discomfort of another sleepless night. The thought crossed my mind that I won’t probably sleep all through the night until I had a baby in my arms. And then I had to laugh. Because surely I will not sleep then, either.
But last night. Last night I slept. With my baby in my arms. All through the night. I had to wake her. And hold her hand as she stumbled down the stairs. She climbed up in my bed and was asleep almost instantly. But not before she said “I love you, Mommy.”
And I love you, baby girl. Thank you for the good night’s sleep.
Always. You will always be my baby girl.
Excitement on the side 