Can't Get over Oberammergau

My kids are inseparable; I'm happy they're best friends.  It's cute that they always have fun with each other and toys are just optional.  They hug, jump, and tumble around in bed or sometimes bite each other & wrestle.  Sometimes I leave them by themselves in the playroom when Leji wants to play teacher and I'm surprised how the little guy can tolerate her bossiness.

We set a time limit to all the frolickin' fun though.  I try my best to remind them as calmly as possible that their house gymboree spree is over by the time the sun sleeps (around 6pm).  We have our bathtime around 5pm after merienda; we use Johnson's lavender calming shampoo (from Ninang Chuchit) for Leji & Chicco Body Wash for Leon (from Ninong Rey). Bathtime really helps them relax.

They usually sleep around 6:30 or 7.  The problem is they wake up again to eat around 8 or 9:/ Sometimes they refuse to sleep by midnight and they go on teasing each other in bed until 3 or 4am & it's driving my hubby nuts (he's usually up by sunrise).  Leji argues with me when I tell her to stay in her room while Leon is still trying to sleep.

Some nights (like tonight) we are fairly successful in making them sleep again by midnight.  I stay with the baby downstairs (where we have our TV) while Leji lounges in bed with dad (and their imaginary friend Lejong) in total darkness.  Leji doesn't take afternoon naps anymore so it's really a matter of setting the mood for her (but sometimes she just goes on talking even in the dark and I have trouble feigning sleep for her).  Leon, on the other hand, latches on demand and he knows how to do it even when I'm still asleep.  I just have to pray for consistency :/

It takes a while to lull myself back to sleep when they're all asleep though :/  When I can't sleep I think of happy thoughts like:

1. Our recent travels

Hubby went to Germany with his family as a kid and Oberammergau is one of their favorite towns in Bavaria.  Strolling around the place made me feel like being in a European indi film; everywhere you look was just picture perfect.

2. Inanimate objects coming to life

At 32, I still believe Toy Story is partly true and at night I try to catch figurines come to life! haha.  We have tiny angels and sacred wooden carvings from Oberammergau and sometimes I just watch their charming little detailed faces when I try to relax.

3. Cheesy food

Cheesy mashed potatoes, cheesy soup, cheesy bread & cheesy hubby. I like everything cheesy! hahaha

This is what sweet dreams are made of.

Yum!!! Good night!