Jungle Puma-Sept 27,2007

One of the reasons for a recent lack of sleep must surely be attributed to the Jungle Puma.
Let me Explain—–1st of all our house is an older house with old hard wood floors upstairs. All of the bedrooms are upstairs. So any walking around once the girls are asleep is frowned upon because you either need to creep from plank to plank like a master thief or fly across the wood floor like a dancer from “Lord of the Dance” which I am not too fond of either in the middle of the night. So needless to say both our bladders have become quite resilient. Elle has just recently developed what I call the “Jungle Puma” this is her way of letting us know that she is awake, would like to be held, or whatever. This isn’t a cry of pain or hunger either. Let me share with you what this sounds like and in our house with tile floors and wood floors the sound carries.
Ryn often endures for a good while and then will either say “shhhh is ok elle” or shoot a frustrated glance in Elles direction. We have learned to laugh and love every sound she makes even if it is quite shrill.
I just finished reading an article in a parenting mag about a father who’s life was turned upside down when they had their baby girl. He even resented his baby girl for cutting into or completely eliminating the things in his life that were his like his reading time, sleep, naps,sporting events and traveling. Also his intimate time with his wife. I can relate and understand what he is feeling. But I also can’t help but be thankful for how these little ones drive us and yes sometimes force us to be better people. After all is it not a life of 24/7 service, love, sacrifice and giving? President Hinckley said something I love regarding his long, happy marriage with Sister Hinckley. He said,” If we are always striving to put their needs before our own then things will work out”.
I agree with that 100%……But what happens when these little people slide in with their—-”We would like our needs met right now –please”—if they say please. How do we keep from giving so much all the time to these children we’ve been entrusted with without neglecting the needs of our eternal companion? Well, don’t expect me to have the answers as we are still fairly new to the parenting world. But I can say that if we can even try to at least talk and truly listen to one another, it helps! The temple is huge–reading and praying together is so important to feel that heavenly help– and lets not forget that too many couples these days are just trying to “stay in love” instead of “falling deeper in love”. The little things are really big things in a family setting. Think of how much we treasure some quiet time to talk or snuggle. Or how giddy we feel when we go out for dinner and a movie sans kids. Or something special and unexpected as small as it might be. I must admit when I was courting Kit and during our first few years of marriage I was really good at all these things. But it’s time for Dr love to make a permanent stay It’s time for me to remind Kit of what an amazing, beautiful, sexy woman she is to me!