Tornado E has decided that he is ready for a later bedtime. He has been trying to push his bedtime from 8:30 to 9:30 or later. Yes, we tried earlier naps and shorter naps. I sat in the hallway outside his door putting him back every time like Supernanny suggests. During the evening, I’ve started taking him for walks and playing hide ‘n’ go seek to get him tired out. I’ve given him the water and snacks he’s asked for, and I have ignored the requests. My husband takes turns at times to see if he has success. No go. It wouldn’t worry me so much if he didn’t wake up every morning at 6. I just don’t think he’s getting enough sleep.
I usually keep the master bedroom door closed because Tornado E will sneak in there and hide. If he went to sleep in there, like he does sometimes at naptime, I wouldn’t mind, but I usually find him jumping on the bed. Last night my husband decided he needed to go to bed early to get well faster. (There’s a concept.) While I did keep an ear out for Tornado E, I assumed if he snuck into our room he would just snuggle up with Daddy and I would transfer Tornado E when I went to bed. Instead I heard little feet pitter into the master bedroom and patter out again. I was naturally curious.
Upon entering Tornado E’s room, I found Tornado E laying on his pillow and the little throw pillow that he uses in our room.
Tornado E: Look, Mommy! I have both my pillows!
With a hush, I tucked Tornado E into his bed and kissed him goodnight.
As I finished the dishes, I heard the pitter of little feet running towards the master bedroom and the patter of little feet running away again. I again went to check out the new development.
This time I found that Tornado E had confiscated my pillow as well and had all three pillows stacked under his head. He, of course, was beaming from ear to ear.
Tornado E: Look, Mommy! I have your bed in mine! So I can sleep on it! That silly Tornado E!
Since he had crept out of bed, I couldn’t smile, but I tucked him in again. After I left the room, I shook my head and chuckled, hoping this would keep him in bed. And it did.