What goes Bump in the night?

Dear Parker,

You had a fabulous day yesterday.  You didn’t cry when I dropped you off for school, you didn’t ask to get Allie or your cloth out of your bag, we had a completely pleasant dinner and bath and then you did well at ballet.

This is a total turn-around from where we have been.  Drop-offs have been slowly getting better, but ballet last week was a nightmare.  You simply refused to leave my lap and participate.  It was horrible.  The whole thing.  I was so disappointed in you.  But, you did much better last night.

I do wonder what’s going on with you.  Lately, you have just been very afraid.  Of the Dinosphere at the Museum.  Of the whooshing noise the vents make when the heat kicks on.  Of shadows.  Of the smoke detector.  Of anything in the night.  You have been waking up multiple times a night and not going back to sleep well.  Last night was better, but the night before was awful.  You were up at least 4 times and didn’t go back to sleep until I brought you into our bed.  It’s exhausting.  I’m not sure if you are just thinking too much or what, but I will be happy when you are through it.

I don’t want you to be afraid.

Love,

Mommy

Rough times

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Dear Parker,

Yesterday was a rough day.  Your fish, Mariah, had been sick for quite some time and she finally passed away overnight.  We told you that Mariah had gone to fishy heaven and you started crying and ran to your tank.  You saw her laying there and you said that she wasn’t in heaven.  She was in the tank.  We tried really hard to explain the difference between Mariah’s body and her soul, but I think that was lost on you.  We dug her a little hole in the backyard gave her a little funeral.

I think you are still confused because if we mention Mariah being in heaven, you will almost always say that she isn’t in heaven, that she’s in a hole under the deck. 

In other terrible news, Stuart and Lauren had to put Roxy down yesterday.  She had been suddenly sick in the last week and she just wasn’t going to make it.  You were very sweet and said that maybe Roxy would be friends with Mariah in heaven.

I know you don’t truly understand, but I’m glad you seem to be doing ok.

I love you so much,

Mommy