Bedtime Blues

We follow the same bedtime ritual every single night. We've read the books, you know, the books that tell you how to be a parent, the ones we check out of the library in hopes of some Ah-Ha moments and some "OHHH thats what to do!" advice. Well the books tell us to have a bedtime ritual that you follow. always. every night. and that it will be so routine, the kids knows what to expect. and will go to bed willingly, without a fuss.

Jam Jams put on by Mom at 7:15.

Brush Teeth with Dad at 7:25.

Watch a 22 minute show from 7:30 - 7:52. seriously, exactly 22 minutes.

The kid hits the tv off button at 7:53.

Kisses & Hugs to Dad (once in awhile to mom if dad puts him to sleep) at 7:55.

Walk upstairs to read three books in the rocker.

Get into bed.

Mom sings 4-5 songs And gives night night kisses.

About 3 more requests for Baa Baa Black Sheep.

"Baa Baa Black Sheep one more time, please. one more time," he says, holding up his little index finger and looking up at me with those eyes.

"Okay. One more time." I sing it.

"Night Night Sweetheart," and I lean in to give one last kiss.

I'm Walking out, pulling the door up, "AHHHH Baa Baa Black SHeep!!! ONE MORE TIME. PUH-LEASE Mommy!!!! BAA BAA SHeep!!!" crying crying with sobs into the pillow. mumbling about the sheep song he so desperately needs to hear 5 times before he can sleep.

I give in. and sing it softly from the door way. All done.

"Go get my Daddy. Don't shut that Door!" he states.

Dad goes up for one more final goodnight. and he probably gets suckered into singing Baa Baa Black Sheep one more time. Not Kidding.

He requests me again, always does. and the door to stay open. as usual. I don't go up. and his door gets shut.

He cries. Yep. The same ole routine and he still cries about it... those books. liars.