The Masterful Stall

I am a big fan of quick, easy bedtimes. Put on your p.j.s, brush your teeth, read some stories, then lights out. No drama. No delays. Depending on the story, everyone is tucked in and quiet in under ten minutes. I don't like to linger... until very recently when Jacob discovered a "new" stalling technique. None of his others had worked, but with this one, he's hit a jackpot. At least judging from the last two nights. 

It goes a little something like this...

Jacob (when the final story is done): My snuggling with you (staring straight into my eyes).

Me: Okay, just for a minute. (Really, this is quite precious.)

Jacob (sensing movement): I want to whisper something in your ear.

Me: Okay, what? (I want him to share his secrets with me, after all.)

Jacob (while starting to play with my hair): My like snuggling.

Me: Me, too.

Jacob (again sensing movement): Nope, not done yet! (Said in this special cherubic voice he reserves for occasions when he needs to be really cute.)

And of course, the whole time he is snuggled right up against me, looking so sweet and cuddly with his big innocent eyes. Oh yes, he's figured it out. Whining, pleading, dying of thirst - none of those work. But the snuggle! How can a mother resist?

I can't. And now bedtimes are much longer. But I don't mind at all.