Sleepless in Charlotte

We all know that Wes has an aversion to nighttime sleep. Not just an aversion, he loathes it.

At home we've found ways to let it be. He reads books in his room. We play soft music. As long as he eventually goes to sleep, doesn't wake Carson, and doesn't keep coming up and down the stairs, we kind of look the other way. At times. Other nights its a dead-on fight with him to keep him in his room.

But this week because we're staying at Nana and Pop's house, Wes and Carson are sharing a room. And one would think he would be more courteous about staying up. Not so. Last night Carson slept through a bright room full of lights, car crashes and block towers, songs and stories. Eventually, around midnight, Wes finally fell asleep in Aunt Debbie's bed. Only to kick, push and prod her until she finally put him back in his own bed around 1:30 am.

Today was much more scheduled and I expected less of a night-fight. There might have been no struggle, if not for that darned aversion. So, after about 10 minutes of laying in bed (Carson, of course, is completely passed out) Wes comes out to tell me that he can't sleep and he can't rest. And I respond, "that's okay, Wes. Just lay there with your eyes open."

No less than 10 minutes later Wes comes out to the family room again, only this time he complains: "Mommy, I can't keep my eyes open any more."