And We're Back to Fighting Sleep

Sigh.

LBB has been very headstrong about going to sleep lately. It's funny because he does so well for so long, and then it's like someone flips a switch. He's currently in his room yelling at me because I put him down for a nap...apparently Mommy doesn't know what she's doing. :)

And at first I thought, "Well, maybe he's ready to go down to one nap a day." So I tried it.

Trust me, he's not.

In fact, he was grumpier, stayed up later, and woke up earlier the days we attempted the change.

So, I think he still needs that short morning nap. And then bedtime is another fun, never boring experience.

He's very set in his routine...until he decides that by adding something else to the routine he can prolong bedtime. Here's his routine:

Get ready for bed at 7:50. Get a small sippy of milk (sometimes warmed). Cuddle up with Mommy and Daddy. Watch 10 minutes of a cooking show or something that isn't too stimulating. Give kisses to his Zhu Zhu pets. Brush his teeth (which in itself is a routine...toothbrush wet, toothpaste on, turn on light up toothbrush, turn the bathroom light off, say "ah", brush teeth, and turn light back on.) Have a little Mylicon. Turn on lullabies. Turn on air conditioner/fan. Turn on Spoka night light (from IKEA). Turn on moon light. Turn on cars night light. Get 2 bedtime stories. Lay him down in bed. He sits up. Read stories. Lay down. Get tucks. Cuddle Bearemy. Tuck Bearemy. Have Mommy and Daddy give him his Tickle Me Elmo (turned off for the night, of course). Have Mommy and Daddy give him his other Elmo. Turn Scout's lullabies on. Say goodnight to the letter by his bed (currently it's letter A). Say goodnight to the Sesame Street decals by his bed. Say prayer. Give hugs (two each for Mommy and Daddy, but in this pattern---Mommy, Daddy, Mommy, Daddy.) And last but not least, spin the twirly that hangs above his bed.

Sigh.

It didn't start out so detailed. And it doesn't take long. BUT. If we so much as change one thing in the routine, LBB has to do it all over again. Yes, you could say we are catering to our toddler...I can totally see your point. :) But...

...he's only little once. And if he likes routine, who are we to fight him? Both Dear Sweet Hubby and I tend to be a bit OCD, so it's really no surprise to us that LBB is already showing signs. And while I know it runs in the family, I also know that we are responsible for making sure he's not a nervous wreck...so I don't plan on letting him add any more steps to the already rigid routine. :)

And deep down, we aren't really bothered by this momentary sleep issue. We are pretty used to LBB being stubborn when it comes to sleep, and he has months where he does great, so we just enjoy those and get through the stubborn moments. :)

Come to think about it, I think that's what a majority of parenthood is about...savoring and enjoying the wonderful moments, and just smiling when the not so wonderful moments pop up. Parenthood is a fun ride, full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and by no means is it ever boring. :)

Now I've got to go get LBB...he was supposed to nap before a playdate, but he chose not to, and now it's time to get ready for his friend to come over. :)