I know there are a lot of parents out there who will be able to relate to this post, and I take comfort knowing I am not alone when it comes to the never ending bed time routine. My son is 2 (and a half(!), he exclaims), and he has mastered the science of dragging out numerous activities by proposing things like: “5 minutes, mommy” or “one more book, you weed”, “one more show, I PWOMISE”, “pway back yard… PWWEEEEASE!”. I, like many of you, have a hard time saying “no” to such sweet, innocent, lovable requests. But lately, I have been *DREADING* bed time. By the time I bathe, nurse, and get my 7 month old down, I am ready to chill with my lap top in my bed and get to work. My job is not a 9-5 desk job and I have to squeeze in a minute here, a minute there whenever I can. It is my ME time, and I cherish every second! Not to mention, I have deadlines! But not if he has anything to say about it.
My fabulous hubby starts Ryan’s routine off with your regular 45 minute bath (only a slight exaggeration) and then they come in to hang with mommy, get lotioned, aquaphor boo boos and get pi’s on. Then we watch a show of his choice and liking for approximately 13 minutes because 5 turns into 10 and then it’s a 3 minute battle to convince him that his time was up 8 minutes ago. Then we, as a TEAM (because it takes a small army) proceed to get him into his crib. It used to be 1 book, lights out, no questions asked. But now… it is this hilariously ridiculous routine and I wind up singing “you’re gonna miss this” in my head the second I walk into his room.
My hubs has downloaded the Mickey Mouse teeth brushing timer and so while Ryan uses his electric toothbrush (timed for 2 minutes) anxiously awaiting what the virtual toothbrush will unveil on the iPhone, his feet and I battle to get his socks on. Then he cons us by requesting one book but secretly and always wanting: Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site (thanks neighbor Ellen), Steam Train Dream Train (AC!!), or Little Blue Truck Leads the Way (Abby…). And we look at each other, and it seems to be a pattern that one of us always gives in. Because his “pwwweeeeeas”es are too much to bare! Then it’s a mash up of “Twinkle Twinkle” and “Row Row Row your Boat”, followed by “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, sometimes “Happy Birthday” and ALWAYS our “now I lay me” song. Then he snuggles in with his 2 blankets, 8 lovies, Kakabaka pillow and 13 “ta’s” (known to the real world as paci’s) for the sweetest dreams there ever were. God Bless you, baby!
So tonight I decided it was time for a special print that semi reflects our nights here at the Stine household. I hope you will print off and enjoy… and every time you look at it, smile and think of me, fighting the same battle, under the stars of St. Louis, Missouri!
x Colleen —-> PRINTABLE GOODNIGHT PDF!
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