3am Wednesday morning my husband and I were woken up by the sound of a jiggling doorknob.
It felt like a splash of cold water in the midst of a deep sleep.
Kyle immediately got up and started looking through our blinds to see if he could see anything outside.
Then I heard it.
Footsteps…. coming down the entryway hall.
Now I’m awake… whispering loudly to Kyle, someones breaking into our house.
All logic has gone out the window…it’s 3am!
There’s no getaway car parked out front. No flood lights on in the front yard because of detected motion.
But I’m freaking out anyways.
Suddenly in the darkness I hear Brayden’s voice. He’s Out OF BED!!
All sense of logic out the window, I flung open the bedroom door and down the hall Kyle and I run.
Brayden, clearly sleepwalking, was trying to unlock the front door and walk out of the house!!
I grab him and as I do, he begins to tell me that he’s scared. He had a bad dream and it scared him so bad he ran out of his room, down the hall and tried to run out the front door. Thank God we heard him.
And thank goodness there was no burglar to deal with as well.
I carried him back to bed; his head leaning on my shoulder. We must’ve laid in bed snuggling for more than an hour falling in and out of sleep. He would fall asleep, wake up scared, we’d pray together, fall back to sleep…. It was a vicious cycle. He was too scared to be in his bed.
I felt at a loss for him. It was so hard to watch. We’ve never experience this kind of bad dream with either child and since Brayden’s only 2 1/2 he couldn’t tell me what his dream was about beyond being scared of his bed.
His fear poured into today. I laid with him at nap time and at bed time. I’m just praying a hedge of thorns around that kid tonight, and I’m checking on him every 15 minutes.
I keep reminding myself that these are the days that I need to remember he belongs to Jesus. He is the comforter, protector, strong tower. And it’s so hard as a mommy to feel so incapable of helping him. To lay there for hours, but no amount of kisses, snuggles or hair smoothing can help him feel better.
Does that get any easier?
Today I’ve been battling the tireds. Zombie walking. haha
As soon as I’m sure my daughter is asleep, bed is where I’ll be headed too.
Andrea @Keepin It Thrifty says
Bless it! I was the same way–on several occasions my mom n dad woke up to me standing in our driveway! I was a sleepwalker– they had to put chairs in front of the doors and set the alarm system! — I totally grew out of it–but I also had night terrors– they figured out it was certain foods i was eating near bedtime–spicy foods for me–i hope this helps! XOXOXOXO
Jamie says
oh my gosh! I would have a heart attack! poor kiddo 🙁
Salena Lee @ A Little Piece of Me says
OMG Alyssa, my heart was racing reading this! How scary! I’m glad it turned out okay but poor kiddo. When the car crashed into our house, my 6 and 4 yr old could not sleep in their beds and they kept waking up so scared of what happened. Nothing we did comforted them but they just wanted us to be with them and not leave. It’s slowly getting better. It’s been 2-1/2 months and only now is my 6yr old able to go back up on her bunk bed to sleep alone. She wasn’t even home when it happened. Kids are so fragile, the things that scare them, even their dreams are so hard for us mom’s when they can’t describe what they are feeling. I hope things get better soon. I’m so glad you are all okay and it was not someone breaking into your house. xoxo
Kate says
Wow. Poor mommy and poor Brayden. I’m sending prayers for energy through the day and restful sleep for all of you.
I had horrible nightmares as a child and the only thing that worked was prayer. So keep it up, momma.
Bree says
Holy moly… Im so glad no one actually was breaking in your house!! Poor buddy :(( bad dreams are the worst. Ever watch veggie tales? Where’s God When I’m scared? I swear I still sing the “God is bigger than the boogie man” song when I get scared. ;)) lol
Kasey M. says
My heart stopped when you said Brayden was in the hallway because I still thought there was a burgler in your house too!
Hopefully this was just a one time experience. And if not I recommend an “invisibility cloak” or “hero” PJs to help Brayden feel a bit more secure in his bed.
Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says
poor Brayden! 🙁 Thankful that no one was breaking into your house, though!
Beth @ Through the Eyes of the Mrs. says
I hate when they have nightmares it’s hard to comfort them. I have found that my oldest has always had dreams some good some bad. Our girls haven’t as of yet knock on wood. I really hope this was just a one night thing and he forgets about it quickly. Our son can think about a nightmare over and over again and have the same dream because it’s still stuck in his head. I hope you all can get a little more sleep today. Hugs to you, xoxo
Jenn says
Scary!! Sorry for your little guy, but glad it wasn’t what you thought it was!
Lauren@Warm&Fuzzy says
Wow…that is so scary. My son, Eli, has sleep issues has well. He take medication at night to help him sleep through the night soundly and thank goodness it works. He was waking up 3-4 times a night and it was really effecting his behavior and attitude at school. Hopefully it is just a phase for Brayden and this to shall past. Thinking of you guys, and hoping you are never that scared again
Laura says
My stomach was in my throat, thinking, oh my gosh, how scary! I’m glad it was only your babe…but poor guy. 🙁
Brittany@lovestitched says
first of all – you scared me to death! I was freaking out for you – I am SO glad it wasn’t a burglar BUT even more glad your little man was safe and wasn’t able ot get out of the house. My little brother used to sleep walk and talk so bad…it was kinda funny but as a parent now it is kinda scary too! lol Your such a sweet mama and he is so lucky to have you there to comfort him! xoxo
Lauren Tanner says
I know that feeling. We went through that a couple of times when my oldest was 6. It is a hopeless feeling, but you have an excellent outlook. It won’t last forever, prayers your way for a restful night tomorrow.
Kristina says
Oh how scary! My brother used to get night terrors when we were kids and he would try to leave the house ,etc. and he would look awake but he was completely asleep – it was really scary. I’m hoping that the Brayden’s heart has calmed down from all the scary dreams. Poor guy! I’m so glad you didn’t have someone breaking into your house though!
Kristina Gulino says
You’re such a good momma!! 🙂 I remember my dad doing the same for me. There’s so much comfort in just knowing your parents are there and ready to calm your nerves and ease your jumping heart.
And P.S. – So glad it was just your son! 🙂 Yikes!
Kristina
Nook & Sea
Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft says
How scary! So glad everything turned out ok. I hope your little guy gets a good nights rest tonight…and mama too!
Melinda@LookWhatMomFound...andDadtoo says
poor guy. Hope he’s able to overcome that fear and it doesn’t last more than that night.
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says
Julia had horrible dreams, too. I would just have her say the name of Jesus over and over. She would fall asleep saying His sweet name.
Heather @ Glitter and Gloss says
I would have had a heart attack!
Brittany says
Poor little guy!!! Scary dreams are the worst :(. I hope he’s sleeping better by now!