The Shrieking Shack

8 Jan 2006

Oh for the love of weekends. Its 3 am, I’m cruising the clearance isles at Target only to find my favorite stationary and stickers from Hot Hues with a bright orange ticket. I haven’t forgotten anything on my list: milk, check; bananas, check; birthday card for my best-friends son, check. Then, with a smile on my face a noise emits from another isle. I quickly transcend into a dark room quite like the bedroom I sleep in most of the time (unless Dave has his nasal orchestra practice).
“No!” I’m thinking “this can’t be happening.” I’m not at Target, my list is lying next to my Hello Kitty alarm clock that reads 3:06 am, and the noise is coming from Avery’s room down the hall. With the panicked breathing one has when sucked back into reality, I have to asses the situation. One baby (no, toddler) crying. But it’s not really crying, it’s YELLING.
I hate this dilemma: First, I can’t am sad that I bring these beautiful children into the world only to put them in a crib 200 times large than a womb. Second, really as a twin, I think they ARE lonely. But in reality it’s 3am, I went to sleep after midnight, I am NOT getting up. The shrieking continues –it’s all out banshee whale. I have a few pillows over my head, but guilt is overriding them. Dave, no, no problem all he has to say is “GRRRRRuuuMMMPH!” and “what the hell?”
“That is not helpful”, I reply.
I really am torn. I know if I go and get her she will be sleeping in our room until she’s 8 and this is unacceptable. Dave and I already sleep on opposite sides of a king size bed. There is no spooning; it’s overrated. He is a heater and I like cold sheets. Okay, so I can’t, under any circumstance go into her room’ and bring her back. No, no, no.
3:30 AM – muffled cries continue with staccato of a mad yell
3:45 AM: prognosis: same, “Is she hoarse?” I wonder.
4: OO AM: quiet, but…
4:30 AM: For the love of god, I am wide awake.
And this is when I decided to relent to Sunday. I guess I could start laundry, finish my shopping list, get ready for church, cook a gourmet breakfast? All before 7am. But I am already feeling an apology for the grouchiest mommy award! Added to list: new, bigger house, sound proof walls