Bedtime...

Bedtime at our house has turned out to be quite an ordeal. We usually start to put the kids to bed at 8 because it takes 45 minutes to complete the task. First, there is the bathroom routine. They have to go to the bathroom, wash their hands, brush their teeth, and get their sip of water. So far, sounds pretty normal, most kids do all those things before bed. Just a warning though, don't accidentally forget a step because it will get ugly fast. Then, there is the getting them in bed part. As I told you in a previous post, my kids have blankets and stuffed animals that are a bedtime must. Jacob is usually my easiest, he finishes his bathroom stuff and goes to his bed usually all he requires is a hug and kiss and he is good to go. I think it is because he is so busy all day and when he hits his bed he is out. Isaiah usually requires some more work. He needs his blankets and his Mickey Mouses (plural) and his Goofy. Even with alot of hugs and kisses later, chances are you will find him in the hallway on the floor. That is where he prefers to sleep with all his stuff. No, I don't leave him there. Now, on to Joshua...he is probably the worst about going to bed. After his bathroom routine it's off to the bedroom where we give kisses, big squeezes, pats (on the back), we tell "secrets" (he usually tells me that he loves me so much and too much but don't tell dad and then tells Bill the opposite), then we hit the rock and say good night. Then the questions begin. He usually waits until we go downstairs and yells for one of us or the other to come up stairs because he has a question and he has to ask you. Here are a few sample questions...Will you pour my cereal in the morning?...Why does the nightlight come on when it's dark?...How many days until Christmas?...My closet is a mess, what am I going to do about it?...Will you fold my blankets?...and my favorite...if the sun is yellow, will the snow be yellow in the morning? I know, I know, I am going to miss this someday!