Zzzzzzzz

WHENEVER the weather forecasters predict a night of gales, it fills me with dread.
I really don't mind that the leaves of autumn past and outdoor toys get blown all over the driveway making the place look like Steptoe's yard. It's the thought of having a night of musical beds that makes me wince.

You can bet your bottom dollar that when it's blowing a gale outside, our little fella will wake up in the early hours and make his way in to see us to tell us all about his bad dream. With a quivering lip and trembling mumble, he goes into great detail of the sounds he can hear.

This morning at 1.39am, all bleary-eyed, I reassured him that the noises were the springs on his bunk bed and the wind that was whistling around the chimney flue. I fumbled around in the dark for his favourite bear and tucked up the pair together.

Back to bed, I managed to pick up my dream where I left off, only to have to press the pause button again ... this time at 2.24am. Up again, to usher the little guy back to his room. Back to bed again ..... until 3.10am. It is at this point that I reach my naggiest ..... and go for the musical beds option. Put youngster in the spare room with me right next to him. This tactic is pure magic and not one that I like to use often, but needs must and he's out like a light.

Sometimes, it's just best to admit defeat if it means getting some zzzz's .... and incidentally, the dream WAS worth it!