Bedtime Rhythm

I have been wanting to post on Ginger's bedtime rhythm ever since Nicole put up her post and asked for submissions.  It has taken days to get round to it.  DH is doing study by distance and he is always on the computer in the evening:)

I guess our bedtime rhythm starts with an early dinner.  I try to have dinner on the table by about 5pm.  This works at the moment because DH is usually home by 4:45.  Next year he will have a longer commute so we might have to revisit this.

After dinner we do kitchen clean-up and Ginger helps to clear the table by putting the placemats away.  

Then, every second night, it is bath time.  This takes about half an hour because Ginger loves her bath!  After her bath or straight after dinner, depending on the night, she has playtime in the loungeroom.  Generally there is a lot of story reading during this time.

At about 6:30 we get her into her sleepsack and clean her teeth.  Then she has her evening feed (or nurse for my North American readers) in our bedroom.  That takes her about 10-15 minutes.  

I then transfer her into her cot and we have a bedtime story.  This tends to be a longer picture book; one she wouldn't have the attention span for during the day.

Trapped - hence the longer attention span!

Then I say a prayer for her (hopefully as her speech develops she will be able to say this for herself).  It is the prayer I said as a little girl; fortunately it is solidly in my memory as the plaque I learnt it off has been lost in the mists of time. (I just found this version for a boy ).

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the Lord my soul to keep

Let angels guard me through the night

And keep me safe 'til morning light.

Help me to know thy love for me

So I a loving child may be

With generous thoughts and happy face

And pleasant words in every place.

Help me to always say what's true

Be willing in each task I do

Please help me to be good each day

And lead me in thy holy way.

I pray whatever wrongs I've done

You will forgive them every one

Be near me when I wake again

And bless all those I love.

Amen

Then I tuck Ginger in - tight- and she gets kisses, and Dolly usually gets presented for them too.

Then I sing our good night song - it is to the tune of Good Night Ladies. If you don't know it and would like the tune leave me a message in the comments and I can take a copy of the sheet music.  Obviously I substitute 'Ginger' for her real name:)

Good night Ginger

Good night Ginger

It's time to go to sleep.

Sleep well Ginger

Sleep well Ginger

I'm going to leave you now.

Then I say 'good night' and leave her to self settle.  She is usually asleep by 7pm.