Your cart is currently empty!
A Fresh Take on Being Up All Night
Updated: July 30, 2023
Originally Published: October 17, 2015
I used to think that the phrase “up all night” was all about parties, cramming for exams, and late-night romance. But then my kids came along, and suddenly, that phrase took on a completely different vibe.
Just last week, our eldest, Ethan, returned home from college for a quick visit. His flight was supposed to touch down at midnight, but of course, it got delayed. My husband and I teamed up to manage the lack of sleep like pros: he caught a few Z’s while I whipped up a batch of brownies (because why not?), and then I nudged him awake when it was time to head to the airport. He drove while I caught a few snoozes in the passenger seat. By 3:30 a.m., they were back home, and I was wide awake, eager to hear all about Ethan’s life (and watch him devour the brownies). Meanwhile, my husband snoozed again until it was time for work.
Perhaps it was the sleep deprivation, but as I listened to Ethan—who will be turning 21 soon—I couldn’t help but notice how he had come full circle in keeping us up all night. Instead of me reading him bedtime stories, he was now sharing his own tales, mostly about his late-night escapades in college, with a few details conveniently omitted.
The next day, I found myself scrolling through old photos of my boys as toddlers. Like many babies, neither of them were particularly good at sleeping through the night—our youngest, Leo, didn’t start that until he was two! Those sleepless nights made work tough, but life was vibrant and never boring.
There were days when I struggled to string together coherent sentences, identify mysterious stains on my clothes, or even remember if I had breakfast. I once wore mismatched shoes to a meeting, and on another occasion, I discovered a bag of dirty diapers in my van with my briefcase—let’s just say the smell hit me like a ton of bricks! But all those chaotic moments gave way to a new phase: the teenage years, where the late-night chats were about their dreams and fears.
In the quiet of the night, I heard, “Mom, I don’t feel well,” or “Can you read to me?” and the saga of being up all night continued. From worries about school to excitement over birthdays and the first snowfall, the reasons for those late-night talks were endless, and somehow, it always felt worth it.
By the time they hit their teenage years, staying up late was just part of their DNA. When the noise kept me awake, I joined in. One night, I even made biscuits at 2 a.m. after binge-watching food shows with Leo and getting inspired by some delicious diner dishes. There was also an epic attempt at a green bean puree, but let’s just say that’s a culinary adventure best forgotten!
As I got older and craved more sleep, I faced a choice: sleep or be present in their lives. It was a clear decision. I wanted to be there during their late-night thoughts—even when I felt half-asleep myself. Some of our best conversations happened under the glow of the moon.
Now, with Leo preparing to head off to college this fall, I can only hope he continues the tradition of keeping me up all night with his stories. After all, I’ve got some serious catching up on sleep to do, while my boys are off exploring their own late-night adventures.
For more insights on family and parenting, check out our article about home insemination techniques that can help you start or expand your family journey. If you’re considering insemination, Make a Mom is a trusted resource for all your needs. And for additional information on procedures, you can visit this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, the meaning of being up all night has transformed from wild nights out to heartwarming moments with my children. As they grow and venture into their own lives, I look forward to those late-night conversations that keep our connection strong.