by Lori
Yesterday, Emma was having serious issues going down for a nap. We did all of the requisite routine, and then 10 minutes later she called me. "I'm ready to get up now!" I explained she hadn't yet gone to sleep and left her.
Ten minutes later, again, "It's time to wake up!" We had the same talk. (The good thing is, we have a reward system in place for going to bed/napping easily. If she doesn't request extra books, cuddling or songs -- and this sounds bad, but we give plenty, trust me -- she gets a sticker when she wakes. So each time I came in, we discussed singing another song, but she'd then say, "No, I want a sticker.") So I leave.
Fifteen minutes later (in which I was sure she'd actually gone to sleep), she calls again, this time with a potty request -- the one sure way to get out of bed. And she does need to go.
When Emma thinks you're mad at her, she often pipes up with an "I love you!", a knock-you-down hug, an "It's OK!" or even just a distracting, "Hi." But she's learning the art of a compliment, too. So while I'm sitting on the edge of the tub, impatiently waiting for her, she decides to make nice, from toe to head.
"I like your socks."
"Um, thanks."
"And your pants."
"Thanks."
"And your sweater."
"Thanks."
"And your contacts."
"I'm not wearing contacts."
"Then where are your glasses?"
"I was trying to sleep, too."
"Oh. When I get back to my room, I'm going to go straight to sleep."
Thank God.
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