Bed Time Ritual

We treated the boys to ice cream tonight at Dairy Queen, which meant that the bedtime routine was somewhat delayed. After finally getting the boys tucked into bed, we gave Seth his nightly "chance" to sleep in his bottom bunk big boy bed.

Each night ends the same. After story, song, and prayers, Seth begins pointing to the bottom bunk and says, "Big Bed." Then either Eric or I, or both, repeat the same disclaimer to our little, ready to do everything that big brother does, second born. It goes something like this, "Okay, Seth, you can sleep in the big bed as long as you STAY IN BED. If you get out of bed, it is the crib for you." Then we always get the same sweet smile and "Okay, mom/dad." And then Sethie dives in ready for a night of slumber.

Which lasts all of five minutes. It isn't long before the Workman's resident bedroom guard alerts us that his little brother has escaped from his big boy bed and is roaming around the room in the dark. So, Seth's little taste of freedom comes to an end and into the crib he goes.

Tonight, after Seth was given the ritualistic bedtime "speech," the lights were turned off and Daddy and Mommy retreated downstairs for some much needed peace and quiet. As usual, it didn't take long for the siren to sound and for one of us to head up the stairs to put our little culprit into his crib.

This time, Eric made the trip up and actually found Caleb on the bottom bunk with Seth, with his arms wrapped around his little brother. He looked up and reassuringly told Daddy, "I'll take care of this child."

Now, I know we will all sleep more soundly tonight.

Oh, and Seth still ended up back in his crib.

Maybe tomorrow night, Little Buddy.