Dirty stop out

For the past two nights Alby hasn’t fallen asleep until gone 10pm.  The night before that he went to bed at 8:30pm which was all good and well, but as that was in the car on the drive back North, this early start was disturbed by an over an hour of playtime once we made it into the house – meaning a final bedtime of 12:30am, woops.

I’m no stranger to time away from home causing dramas or disturbances when it comes to the “normal” routine.  That knowledge however, doesn’t stop it from frustrating me as I sit in his bedroom with heavy eyes as he bounces about on the bed giggling like a lunatic.

I think a few months ago I would be beating myself up slightly for Alby’s late night antics; toddlers have a bundle of energy and if you want them shattered come bedtime you’ve got to ensure they are run ragged during the day.  Today I failed completely and utterly in that regard and as such I’ve only got myself to blame. 

Instead of playing with Alby, singing endless nursery rhymes, chasing him around the house and tickling him until he cackles (which actually doesn’t take long at all) I left him to entertain himself as I cracked on with the unpacking.

The trouble with this strategy is that Alby is very good at entertaining himself.  It’s a trait his grandparents both commented on when they babysat him last week and one which I’m actually very proud of him for having.  But, it doesn’t make for a sleepy Alby.

I’ve decided to let myself off the hook.  In two days time Mark will be home.  With his return I’ve got another person to play with the boy, to cuddle Sir Percival and another pair of hands to help around the house.  With Mark, the family can get proper balance.  Today the scales lent in favour of busy mama, chilled Alby.  Tomorrow, when Alby goes off to play with friends whilst I’m at work, the scales will likely reflect busy Mama, busy Alby.  Come next week though, I’m hoping for at least a few days of busy Alby, moderate mama – and if that doesn’t happen, I’ve only got myself to blame!