Bedtime shenanigans

Ellen is starting the stall tactics at bedtime, but she is just so stinking cute (generally speaking) that I usually indulge her. These are the moments you just want to freeze and hold on to forever.

We have a pretty set routine ... jammies, then "What's next, Ellen?" BRUSH TEEF!

Ernie and Elmo are an obsession these days - must have their teeth brushed and must come in the car. Yesterday I had to put them down for a rest, under a Kleenex, on the table in the kitchen so she wouldn't take them to school.

And, this is how we accomplish said teef brushing ... Ellen sitting in the sink, wet feet, with me brushing from behind. She gets to rinse. Sort of. (I didn't realize that mom = dental hygienist. So many hats, I tell you).

And then she kneels down to give kisses to the sweet little bedtime book of characters.

And she reads her own books now, and only occasionally indulges us and lets us read to her. The popular books these days are "Bowhn Behr" (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?) and "Po-Wa Behr" (Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you Hear?). "The Poop Book" (Everyone Poops) was also a recent favorite. Yes, Ellen, crocodiles poop in the water.

Then, after the night-nights, miscellaneous stalling, and rocking for a few minutes while Ellen says, "Iss dark ow-side", she finally gets in bed. Not alone, mind you ... there are no fewer than 10 items in there with her:
1. Two loveys ("kitty dee-dee" and "taggy dee-dee")
2. A soft, ivory minky blanket ("blankie")
3. My old yellow waffle blanket from childhood ("cov-ahs")
4. A random soft blanket
5. Goodnight Gorilla ("Gilla!")
6. Another book of the day
7. Ernie and Elmo (which have been in her hands the last two nights when I checked on her. Awww.)
8. And, finally, one porcupine.

Here is the latest stall tactic:



"Nigh, nigh Mommy! Nigh, nigh Daddy! I yuv you!"