Nocturnal.

snoozy
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

(Not so uncommon for me nowadays) I awoke from my sleep on the couch to find the house quiet, late at night with everyone off to bed. Isa has made it a habit now to sleep in our bed, which I both hate/love. There's something nice at night feeling little feet in your face or having her little hand draped over my neck. But in the morning when they awake it's not so cool to have someone in your ear loudly asking for "chocolate milk" or to "watch cartoons".

Tonight, though, I sleepily got off the couch to walk over to the kids room. It was almost 2am and just wanted to peek over to see how they were (my nightly ritual). Isa, of course, had ignored my warning to stay in her bed and was missing from the room - she's in our bed passed out with her mom. Nico Boy, on the other hand, is sound asleep with his shirt slightly tossed up and his belly poking out.

snoozy
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Against all better judgement I couldn't resist picking him up and holding him in my office chair as he snoozed on my shoulder. I know the next morning before I head out the door to work he'll greet me with a smile and a "da!" For now I'm pretty content just holding him. It's dark in the room. The ceiling fan quietly spins blowing a lazy breeze. His hand is draped on my neck and he stirs for a moment to look at me and then settles his head back onto my shoulder as I rub his back. I can feel his warm belly against my chest as he snores quietly in my ear. This is probably one of the more satisfying moments I can remember recently.

Whodathunk that I'd be a complete sucker for a couple of little kids who constantly needed their butts wiped, toys cleaned up after, and monitored like a hawk at all moments? I was the last person 10 years ago. The things they say, the things they do, watching them grow impress me daily. At night watching them sleep, though, makes me feel complete.