Saturday, August 23, 2008

Any Delay

Every night, for about twenty minutes after Brad puts Grace to bed, we hear, "Mom! I have to tell you somp-thin. Just ONE MORE THIIINNG!" That claim is, of course, false. It usually becomes fifteen to twenty things. On a lucky day.

But believe it or not, that's progress, folks.

Earlier this year, I was ready to pull my hair out over the issue. I had become the temporary bedtime parent because of our frequent Brad-less trips to Texas.

And bedtime wasn't going well. The whole process had become an hour-and-a-half ordeal. And I was exasperated. I was looking for a way to improve. 

And so, after one particularly difficult night, I planned to record our bedtime routine, listen to it the next day, and write down any ways I felt I could do better.

It didn't work. It was a bad night. I got angry. And I had no desire to relive that night and revive my frustration by listening to the recording. So I didn't. 

Until, of course, today. And, if you'd like, so can you. Well, two minutes of it anyway. Two minutes which might be exceptionally boring for you. Or funny. I can't tell. I am not objective in this situation.

Just remember: I was angry. Have mercy on me. I won't judge your parenting either.

8 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, that was so funny! Seriously, how hilarious!!

    "Its a creepy lizard!"

    "Hit him with the shoe!

    Ha ha ha! I will be laughing for days.

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  2. Maybe this is bad, but I let Gwen take a Little Leapad to bed and leave the lights on so she can play the leapad until she gets tired. It seems to minimize the constant back and forth between us--although I'm not sure it would work for you, what with all the creepy lizards roaming around!

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  3. Where does she get this stuff? Good luck to you. Hilarious!

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  4. Oh that was funny!! I'm glad my kid is not the only one that takes 2 hours to get to bed! I loved the shoe idea. Did she use it???

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  5. So funny and so cute! You are so smart to record things like that, wish I had. On second thought, I am glad I didn't I would not have sounded as nice of you if I were "angry". You are a wonderful mom Elise and you have a very smart little girl! FYI I started a blog too. You can find it at www.esteselizabeth.blogspot.com Not much on there right now and not nearly as entertaining!

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  6. Parenting is hard! There's no correct solution to the bedtime thing. Just consistency. My kids know not to mess with me at bedtime. But I'm kind of a cop. You're a lot nicer.

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  7. A Creepy lizard huh? I have problems with those ALL the time! haha

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  8. That was angry? My kids love communal beds. My big threat is, "Be quiet or you will sleep in your own bed!" When I flip out the hall light and there is no screaming, I know they are all fast asleep. :) Helen is the third girl from Sariah's bio. parents! She is definately our last. Terry left for New Mexico yesterday. :( I love your blog!

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