Sleep ‘Moon’ Walking

I’m so used to Ajib and Liya having nightmares every single night. Liya stopped when she was about 2 1/2 years old. Ajib; however, still experiences nightmares although he is now about 3 1/2 years old. The difference could be in the gender. My hypothesis is strong on the speech versus activities. The moment when a child can fully translate their feelings into words, the nightmare disappears. And, girls develop their communication skills faster than boys. Girls also have been so expressive compared to boys.

A few nights ago had so much fun playing with ‘bunga api’ (part of firecrackers’ family – handheld sticks with one end is lit to produce short range shooting star-liked or flower-liked fire).  Ajib slept through the night. Boy, it was quite peaceful night. Unfortunately, I had to wake up around 3:00am. This time Liya got up and walked towards the window. I did ask her where she was going and what she was about to do. There was no reply. I couldn’t remember if she was walking with half-closed eyes or fully-opened eyes. Two steps to the door, Liya made an unpredictable a u-turn. Was she mumbling something? She came back to the bed. And the sleeping pattern continued. She might have dreams too. Wish her all the great dreams a girl can have with plethora or fairies, butterflies, flowers, river of honey, giggles, dresses, glazed donuts and more..

Taking Care of You

“Mama, don’t you watch Daddy’s movies. I have nightmares,” Ajib commented. The night before, my husband had watched a nauseating thriller movie. Even the sound track scared me.

Ajib then continued by saying “If you have nightmares, I’m here for you.” I listened carefully and felt so flattered. At 3 years old, Ajib was trying to protect me. How I pray and wish he would grow up to be a gentleman! Ajib would be a caring and loving person.

Night Vultures

Somehow it feels like a curse. Both Ajib and Liya have nightmares. Liya stopped having nightmares, screaming in the middle of the night until before 30months. Unfortunately, Ajib still has to pull through at 38months. At first, I thought this could be they have lots to share and unable to express themselves. Could be true for Liya. The moment she could construct a full sentence, no more waking up crying, sobbing, struggling and searching for something.

I guess Ajib needs more time. Maybe while all learning being transferred to long term memory, flashes of them become nightmares for Ajib. Boys develope their speech at a slower rate compared to girls.