The Little Things: bedtime songs

I have been thinking lately about the little things. The ones that seem so insignificant, and yet they hold so many memories or emotions attached to them. These little things are often the first things we forget, so I wanted to record a few of them here on my blog.

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Every parent will tell you that bed time routines are important. It doesn't really matter what is part of your routine, as long as you have one and it helps signal to your little one that it is time to sleep for the night.

Our bedtime routine for Grace includes dimming the lights, changing her diaper, rubbing good-smelling lotion on her, putting her in her pjs, and one last bottle before bed. 

But then, I always sing to her 3 songs:

• the elephant song (in Spanish)
• You are my Sunshine
• I am a Child of God

(You can find links to the songs below, but they are OBVIOUSLY so much better when I sing them ;)

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These three songs are significant to me. I have fond memories of each.

The first one my dad would sing to me and my siblings when we were young. He would draw out the "ara....ña" (spider) part, and we'd giggle in anticipation until he would finish suddenly and poke us jokingly in the stomach.  I love my dad and his Cuban heritage. It is fun for me now to add a little spanish to Grace's vocabulary as I sing her this song each night. Plus, the catchy tempo makes it a great song to tap out the rhythm on Grace's back as I try to get her to burp after eating. 

The second song reminds me of my mom. I remember laying in bed and asking her to sing "You are my Sunshine" to me before tucking me in for the night. Even though the second verse is surprisingly sad (I had to teach it to Andrew, and he thought it was thoroughly depressing), I grew up listening to my mom sing it with such love. Now I get to sing it to my own daughter, and I hope she feel how much I truly love her. Grace really is my sunshine.

Right before singing the last song, we say a little family prayer. Then I sing "I am a Child of God". This song warms my heart, as I think of teaching my little baby about her heavenly heritage. I always want Grace to know how much I love her, but even more importantly, I want her to know that her Heavenly Father knows her and loves her. This song helps me teach this to her from a young age. 

Then, after singing these songs, I kiss Grace on the forehead, tell her that I love her, and set her down in her crib for the night.

This bedtime routine may not seem like much. It may sound similar to the bedtime rituals of other families. But for me, it is special. It's a special time each night when I get to hold my little girl close and share a little bit of the love that I have experienced in my life. 

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Plus, look how cute she is when she sleeps!
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