- to kill a mockingbird...well, not quite, but almost -

If any of you guys knew Matt and I about five years ago, you would know the story of the mockingbird that lived outside of our condo (back when we lived in a very urban part of town)...and sat on the telephone wire by our bedroom window, and sang...every night...loudly. It drove us CRAZY! Matt was so determined to scare it away, that there were quite a few nights he would actually get his shoes on, and chase that darn bird across our alley and into other condo complexes parking lots...all while holding the BB gun that our friend lent us to scare the bird away (yes scare, not hurt or kill). And you can imagine when he did that, although it was pretty comical, I was always pretty scared that someone would call the cops on him, thinking he was running loose with a gun in his hand (picture a crazy, sleep deprived man, running after a tiny bird...that most people wouldn't even notice...He would be jumping over parking lot walls and charging down the alley...shouting a vulgarity here and there, and holding a gun...yes a BB gun, but a gun nonetheless!) But I'll tell you, that bird was a stubborn one...and would come back EVERY NIGHT. It was so loud when it sang, and it sang all night long! We tried white noise, music, ear plugs...everything! This went on for at least 3-4 months, and then one day, the bird just disappeared and never came back! Hooray!!!

But ladies and gentleman, you will never guess what has made it's way to our yard...and has been "singing" every night as loud as can be?? Oh yes, another mockingbird! And the kicker? He's placed himself right outside of Ellie's window...yes, to sing loudly to my 3.5 year old who already is a crappy sleeper! Why thank you Mr. Mockingbird, for choosing our yard, and for choosing her window to perch outside of! Cause this momma never really wanted to get any sleep anyways, right? Sleep is overrated...and nature and all that it entails is such a beautiful thing, right?? UGH!

I love nature, I love animals, I love everything and anything outdoors. But really Mr. Mockingbird? You're waking my child up, keeping her up once she is awake, and keeping me up once she finally falls back asleep!

According to Wikipedia, only the male mockingbirds sing at night, and they are one of the only birds that ever choose the night to sing. And why are they singing? Well, to find a mate, of course!

"Dear Mr. Mockingbird, while I know most females think it's utterly romantic to be sung to, I will be more than happy to show you some quieter ways to find a suitable mate! I'm pretty sure my husband didn't sing to me at all hours of the night, and I still fell head over heels in love with him. So I promise you lonely little bird, there are other ways to attract your soul mate! Tonight, I will even gladly leave my laptop outside for you, and you can try your hand (or beak..ha ha ha) at online dating. It's a much quieter way to find a mate, and my child and I will be much happier and so much more well rested! Sincerely, one tired momma that has already had her share of mockingbirds in her life to deal with"

Image credit carolinabirds.org

*disclaimer - I would never really "kill a mockingbird"...although, I HAVE laid in bed many nights this past week scheming...because I have not much else to do at 2:30 a.m.!