Bedtime

Bedtime at our home has become quite the ordeal.  Leta and Annie have become very particular.  First it starts with time laying and reading on mom and dad's bed while they drink their sippy cups.  Then we brush teeth, take Annie potty a few times, and get dressed for bed.  Then we read some more, say prayers and read one last story.  The brushing teeth part is usually done with MAJOR drama.   

Finally we get the girls into their room.

Once in their room, often Annie will have to go potty again.  Then we figure out who gets what stuffed animals.  Leta always gets the elephant.  Annie always gets the snake.  The Carebear and dog that looks like Lady and Clifford that we stole from Aunt Katie get shuffled around.  They also must have a good stock pile of blankets.  I only let them sleep with extras in their crib because now that they are nearly 2 and 1/2, I'm not worried about them suffocating in the night (at least not worried as much as I used to.)  

They used to sleep with books but they destroyed too many.

Then I go and put water in their sippy cups for them to sleep with.  And it can't be warm, must be cold.

Then we have to turn on soft music and put it on repeat mode.

Then the nightlight.

Then the fan.

Then the touch-lamp at one touch.  

Then the finale is that we bring Hobbes in to say goodnight to the girls.  They each get a minute or so to squeeze him, snuggle him, hug time, kiss him and tell him goodnight.  He just lays there and goes to his mental happy spot.  

And for some reason, he hasn't run away yet.  He must like us despite the torture.  

After the whole process, then Leta and Annie usually talk to each other for upwards of about a 1/2 hour before finally letting themselves fall asleep.    

And sometimes Annie and Leta have to go potty again after all is said and done.  

We repeat this process every evening and every afternoon for naptime.  

It's work, but I'm so thankful they sleep.  

Cause when they finally sleep, I have a chance to sit for a bit.  Sometimes.