Reese Olivia and the Great Sleep Debate

 

Reese Olivia and the Great Sleep Debate

As Mama laid Reese down to sleep Reese stared back at her with her beautiful blue eyes and thought, “Silly Mama, let the games begin!” Mama kissed Reese on the cheek and Reese closed her eyes, but as soon as she heard the door close they popped back open. As Reese looked up she saw the Sleep Fairy. Reese stared at her with a curious glare as if to say, ‘really, that tutu with those shoes. I would rethink that ensemble.’

The Sleep Fairy smiled at Reese, “Hello beautiful baby, it’s time for bed. So, close those eyes and we will go off to dreamland.”

Reese replied, “I can’t do that right now, Mom and I are playing a game.”

“A game, what kind of game?”

“Well, it is really fun. Although Mom and I have never really discussed the rules, but I know she loves it. This is how it goes – Mama lays me down to sleep and after she kisses me on the cheek I close my eyes and pretend to be asleep. I usually stay that way for about a half hour and then, this is my favorite part, I scream at that top of my lungs like I am really hurt! Mom rushes in and scoops me up and I quit screaming. Oh so fun! Then Mom will rock me for a few minutes and I pretend to fall back asleep, but as soon as my booty hits the sheets I pop open my eyes, she has never told me for sure, but I think that is Moms favorite part. So, we go through that routine a few times until Mama gives in.”

“What do you mean gives in?” asks the Sleep Fairy.

“Well, Mama takes me to her bed and lets me sleep on top of her.”

“I would think that would be really uncomfortable”

Reese replied, “Oh no, quite the opposite! It is extremely comfortable – she even has built in pillows, two to be exact! It’s like she is a full size bed for a baby.

“I meant, I thought that would be uncomfortable for your Mama.”

“Nope she doesn’t mind at all. In fact I have added a new twist to the game.”

“Oh really, tell me more.”

“Well, I am trying to see how long Mom can go without sleep. It is really entertaining! She does some really funny stuff, like forgetting to wash her hair for 5 days straight and she keeps forgetting to take her clothes to the cleaners so she has to wear really odd outfits to work. Oh, that silly Mama, she keeps me so entertained!”

“But sweet little Reese, I would think you would want to stay in this beautiful room – the bedding is so comfy and that mobile is so cool. Why would you want to go sleep in a boring old grown up bedroom?”

“Oh this room is beautiful! Especially the curtains, they look really expensive, like maybe Mama thought they were on sale, but when she got to the register they rang up full price but she was too pregnant FAT to waddle back and get different ones. Anywho, Mom comes with a built in mobile. She has all this stringy stuff on the top of her head that I really love to pull on. Mom likes it too; she gives me a high five every time I pull it. Sometimes she gets ahead of herself and gives me a high five before my hand even reaches her head – she is so cool.”

“Well, you need your sleep so you can grow up strong and healthy.”

“You would think that, but I went to the doctor last week and I am all good.”

“But, sweet Reese, don’t you think your Mama needs some sleep?”

“I know, I thought that also. But, she is always kissing me and saying I am the most perfect baby in the world. I think if I quit playing our game she will be so disappointed.”

“Oh, I disagree! I think your Mama will understand.”

“Well, I guess you are right. I mean I feel kind of bad – it seems like I am always winning. Maybe I will get a little rest. But, if anyone asks, just tell them I am resting my eyes.”