My new favorite time of the day

About a year ago I wrote about my favorite time of day.  It was first thing in the morning while I nursed him.  A year later I almost don't remember what that was like.  Things have completely changed and William has grown and developed and those cuddles seem so far away. 

I have a different favorite time of a day.

I watch him play.  I tickle him to get him to laugh.  He rubs his eyes and yawns.  I ask him if he's ready for bed and he walks and waits for me to open the gate so he can climb upstairs.  Diaper change and soft pajamas.  We brush his teeth and then he brushes mine.

Then we sit.  We sit in the rocking chair my mom gave my dad when they got married.  We rock and I ask what song we should sing tonight.  He doesn't respond because he has no idea what I'm saying, but I know one day he'll be able to answer.  I pick a song and I sing in his ear.  He puts his head down on my chest.  He's always so tired.  He starts to hum to the song.  My heart just melts with this.  I kiss his cheek and tell him good night and that I love him.

I lay him down and cover him with his favorite blanket and he pulls it up to his shoulders.  I push his glow worm.  I step outside.  I hear him from in the hall push the glow worm again and again and again.  Then nothing.  He's asleep.