Separate Beds

I used to think Charles was crazy, when he brought up the idea of separate beds. This was something we actually discussed prior to getting married. It was just one of those silly topics where we would discuss the "why?" and "why not?" Well, he was all for the I Love Lucy sleeping arrangement, but I was not buying it. I was certain I would want to sleep snuggled-up to Charles, all lovey-dovey, and close -- like my parents do.

And then we got married.

We soon discovered that he was cold, and I was hot. I also realized that I could not stand to be touched when I was sleeping, it makes me lash-out irrationally. We found it was a common occurrence for one of us to flip over and slap each other in the face, while we were sleeping. (It was never on purpose, of course. He, he.) We both toss and turn in our sleep, and take the blankets with us. From the very beginning of our marriage (13 years ago) we discovered we needed separate blankets. We both have to have our blanket woven around our body, and that does not work so well -- with just one blanket. We both are just really active sleepers, flopping around, like fish out of water. We also both make weird noises in our sleep. I have made my fair share of strange sounds, but one night, Charles made the oddest noise I have ever heard. It woke me up, and it woke him up, too. He said he was dreaming that he just kicked a Muppet across the room. (That explained the flying Kermit the Frog shriek.) Not to mention the time that he kept saying in his sleep, over and over, "He was just a country boy!" "He was just a country boy!" Apparently Elvis was dreadfully used by Hollywood -- according to Charles' night visions.

Anyway, over the years, separate beds started to seem like a better idea!

And now, for the last few nights, Charles has been sleeping in my parents room, in their big, soft, comfy, king-size bed, all by himself. (My parents are in Alaska right now.) He says it has been heavenly. For the past 5 months he has been trying to sleep while hanging-off the edge of our queen size bed, with a pillow over his head (thanks to our cherubic-muffin, Henry, who still wakes-up a lot throughout the night).

I must say that I have been sleeping better the last few nights, too. It is kind of nice having the bed all to myself -- and not stressing about Charles getting enough sleep. (His work is pretty intense, and he needs his beauty sleep.) I actually sent him to the other room, because Henry had been waking-up even more than normal throughout the night, and it was becoming exhausting. Charles did not want to go at first . . . but now I think he does not want to come back!

So, for now, we have our nighttime chat, we have a hug and a smooch, read our scriptures and say our prayers, and then sleep alone. (Well, he is alone -- I have the privilege of Henry's company throughout the night.)

It has been great. I sleep in the middle of the bed all sprawled-out like a kid, with pillows all around me. (I love pillows everywhere, Charles . . . not so much.)

So, I am thinking separate beds might not be such a bad idea after all??

Or at least a REALLY big bed, or maybe two queen beds right next to each other . . . Hmmmm?

Either that, or Charles can sleep in between my parents from now on. :-)