Big Elmo - revisited

Every night we follow the same ritual for bedtime. Go upstairs, Owen sits on the potty, Kyle stands. Get treats. We wash faces, brush teeth (work on getting chocolate out of teeth), play with water that we should be drinking. Get diapers on, get PJs on.

Then we read books (3 max, selected by the boys) - tonight was "Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What do you see?", "Big Green Monster", and "Airport". After books, we say prayers, which is a riot to hear.

Then it's time to go to bed. Heather takes Owen out to his room. I say to Kyle, "ok, time for night nights, do you want to give Elmo a kiss?" He nods vigorously every time and wanders off to where Elmo is.

Elmo has his "own bed". Which is really a couch cushion at the foot of Kyle's bed. Elmo lies in repose with his companions: two horses, two dolls and a fish. They are all covered by a blanket. The blanket covers up to their eyes. This is Kyle's doing, he makes sure they are completely covered up the eyes - every night.

Then he reaches down and gives Big Elmo several sweet little boy kisses on the eye. He stands up smiles and climbs in bed. Every night.

That's my sweet boy.