Stalling Bedtime

Maren has learned how to stall going to bed. Every night the routine is the same. Change diaper, put on pajamas, read a few books, give kisses, brush teeth, read one more book, say prayers, go to bed. For the past few nights, she has sat on my lap after the last book and said "Juice" or "Downstairs" or "Daddy" or "Go Buckeyes downstairs," which is a reference to an Ohio State Band CD that we dance to and call "Go Buckeyes."

Last night we were reading a book we call "Baby Jesus," it's a children's version of the Christmas story and she enjoys all of the pictures of animals around the manger. For the first time last night she said "Jesus." I finished the book and turned off the light to start her prayers, she yelled out "Baby Jesuuuuuuussss! Baby Jessssssuuuuuuuuussss!" How could I deny her Jesus? So, I turned on the light and read it again. Turned off the light, and the same thing...yelling for Baby Jesus. Okay, one more time of reading the book. AGAIN, she said "Baby Jesus?" I said "All done Baby Jesus, time for prayers." At the end of our prayer list, I always ask her "anyone else?" Last night she said "Jesus, Jesus." My wise friend Brenda pointed out that Maren was looking for Jesus to be her savior...from going to bed!