Conflict Resolution with a Baby

My 9 month old and I had a serious talk last night.  I think we worked some of our issues out.

Me:  Dearest Anastasia, did you know that when I was pregnant with you I prayed for a baby who would love to snuggle and liked to be held and wanted to nurse and wanted to sleep with me?

Anastasia:  I did know that!  It's all I've ever wanted is to give you that mommy!  That's one of the reasons I stayed inside for so long.  It's what we both wanted.  I didn't really understand why you made me come out, but I forgive you.

Me: Well thank you sweet baby.  You were getting too big for my insides and I wanted to hold you in my arms and nuzzle your head and kiss your cheeks.

Anastasia:  That makes sense.  I like that too.  You can hold me all the time if you'd like.  I like exploring now too though, is that okay?  As long as I'm not alone and can see and hear at least two family members at all times I like to get down and move around.

Me:  Of course you can!  I think it's great!  But back to that bit about how much I wanted a baby who would want to snuggle and sleep with me -

Anastasia:  Yup, I've got that covered, no problem.

Me:  Yes, well, I forgot to mention one tiny little thing about that...for some reason I have a really hard time falling asleep for the first time in a night while nursing and snuggling.  Is there any possible way that we could work it out that you go to bed in your crib and wait for me to fall asleep and then you wake up and I'll bring you into bed with me.  I can fall right back to sleep when we do it that way.

Anastasia:  Seriously?  That's an awfully specific and needy sleep plan.  Is that why you keep trying to trick me into sleeping in my crib alone at night?  Look, I hate being in my crib at night.  I hate being alone.  Besides being alone was never the plan for either of us.

Me: You know, you take a really good nap in your crib during the day.  What makes night time so different?

Anastasia:  During the day it doesn't feel like being alone.  All the other kids are still yelling and screaming and the whole house is vibrating.  Nighttime is silent.  At night it's distinctly possible that you all moved out and forgot me.  It's creepy and quiet and lonely.

Me:  It's not totally quiet!  What about the Lorena McKennitt album that we have playing next to your crib (and have been playing 24/7 for over 2 years now)?

Anastasia:  Is that why that's going all the time?  Look, she has a lovely and soothing voice - which is kind of the problem.  She doesn't sound anything like any single member of my family.  If the house is quiet enough for me to hear the music I've clearly been abandoned.

Me: Well, Isabella liked it.  It helped her sleep.

Anastasia:  *guffaw*  Helped her sleep?  From what I've heard, she didn't need help.  And she would have slept just as well with Tool or Nine Inch Nails.

Me:  Yeah, I guess you're right.  But, don't you think maybe we could compromise on this bed time thing?

Anastasia:  Look, if I wait until you're asleep to come in bed with you you won't even really be able to appreciate our snuggle time.  I think it would be in both of our best interests if you just accept having me come into bed with you at the beginning.  Do you enjoy trying to lay me down over and over again every night for hours past when you were planning on going to bed only to have me wake up within minutes?

Me: No, I really don't.

Anastasia: Me either.  I'm glad we talked, I think bedtime will start going better for both of us from here on out.

Me:  Okay...well could we at least compromise about using my face as a pillow?

Anastasia:  No.  That's where the real snuggling happens.

She's lucky she's cute.