Malachi and Viola share a room.

We have a pretty good bedtime routine and the kids know when something from that routine is missed. I can’t tell you the number of times I want to skip parts of the routine and just get some mom and dad relaxation time.

We typically start with eating snacks and reading books. Next is bedtime prayers and holy water blessings. Then bathroom, brushing teeth, and washing hands (education on proper hand hygiene 😂).

And we are off to their bedroom where they each pick two books to look at in bed while they fall asleep and mom reads a chapter from their prayer book.

Finally it’s time to tuck them in which is usually Malachi crawling right in bed to start looking at books and taking his hug and kiss grudgingly because he just wants to look at his book. Viola on the other hand is usually running circles around the room, rolling around on her fuzzy rug, or jumping up and down. She usually needs at least 3-4 verbal prompts to get in bed!

Tucking Viola in typically takes 10 minutes in its self 😳 a hug and a kiss usually consists of her requesting more hugs and kisses or a longer hug. Every night she asks me to sleep with her! Below is a picture of her bed. Oh and she asks me what books she should start reading.

I then attempt to walk out the door where I am stopped by blowing kisses and hugs from both Malachi and Viola and the words “I love you SOOO much” on repeat! After I close the door and am walking to the living room they continue yelling it down the hall. I can’t even explain the joy those words fill me with! They are such little lovers!

In the mean time Colt is usually playing in the living room and taking a last chug of a milk before he heads to bed. Thankfully he has an easy bedtime routine so far (blessings, brushing teeth, and drinking milk)!

One would think the twins would finally be ready for bed and calming down….nope! Usually we hear them start with reading books. Then it turns into standing on their beds looking out the window, looking at each other and jumping on the bed, playing with the toys in their closet, and 2-4 trips out by mom and dad. The trips out of their room are usually “I have to go pee” “I need a drink” “I need a tissue” “I need one more hug and kiss” and “I need to throw my tissue away”.

It takes at least and hour of them playing in their room, requesting items, and looking at books to finally calm down. Not to mention the numerous times they get yelled at to go to bed and stop talking. They usually end up getting books and stuffed animals taken away!

But…every time I leave their room even if it is to take their Mickey and Minnie Mouse away I end up leaving with a melting heart from the endless hugs, kisses, and words “I love you Sooo much”!! 💕😍😘