Some nights I am a blessed with a visit from the nighttime creeper. However, creeping is probably not the best way to describe the mayhem that I wake up to.  

At some point in the middle of the night between 4:00–6:00 a.m., Little Dude embarks on his voyage across the dark uncharted carpet of our upstairs hallway. He hits the bathroom and instead of navigating his way back to his room he sets his sights on my room.  

He comes armed with a blankie, water cup, and his glowing stars. He makes the trek in the dark night, guided by the hallway light, to our room. Some evenings he makes the journey with a few of his “friends,” Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan, or Snoopy.  

Like any good adventurer his mission is planned and very well calculated. Little Dude is stellar. He puts his stars on my dresser and his water on my nightstand. Little Dude then burrows into my bed so quiet and nimble. Tucking himself and his friends right in. He nestles between my husband and I, careful not to wake us.

I never know he is there until he starts moving in on “my territory.” The extra space and cozy blankets that took me all night to acquire from my husband. My territory starts to shrink. Little Dude inches and sandwiches himself to me, till I am left sleeping with my head on the nightstand or falling off the bed. His hands, feet, or a head engulfing me as I start my mission to claim back my space on my bed.  

I have not won “my mission” yet. Little Dude has not yet retreated back to his own bed. My husband and I have not reclaimed our bed. But I know that Little Dudes nighttime voyages will not last forever. And for now, I am happy that he makes the journey.

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About the Author

Sarah Honey

Sarah is the author of a lifestyle blog, where she writes about her adventures in mommyhood and everything in- between. You can also find her on , , or wrangling her toddler.