Time for Bed

Brian and I enjoy the girls' bedtime routine. It is a nice opportunity to spend time with the girls. On bath night, we start baths around 6:30 pm so we can get downstairs in time for Dora on Nick Jr. During Dora, the girls get a little snack. The past few nights it has been chocolate chip cookies that Allison and I made, but prior to that I was starting to give them some fruit. For some reason Allison is much more willing to eat fruit during Dora.

After Dora ends, Allison turns off the TV and we head upstairs. Amelia is always so excited to see the gate open, she loves climbing the stairs and by the end of the day, she is ready for bed.

First we tuck Amelia in. Ever since we dropped her morning nap, she is usually pretty beat by the end of the night. We usually can only get one book in before she starts to fuss. Mia is a very happy girl when we put her in her bed and she can relax.

Grover? Check!, Blanket? Check!, 2nd Blanket? Check! 3rd Blanket? Check!

Allison will usually climb into Mia's crib for night time prayers. We have a prayer lamb that recites our bedtime prayer and then we say "God Bless Allison, God Bless Amelia" and go through the whole family. We usually will pat their heads when we say their name, so now Amelia will pat my and Brian's head during the prayer.

After Amelia goes to bed, we have some quiet time with Allison. We have a tea party at her table, where she hands out dessert to Brian and I. She also likes to play with her toaster and microwave a few times.

Chocolate dessert? For Mom! Pretty Pink Dessert? For Me! Crappy Coconut Dessert? For Dad!

After our tea party, we read a book or two and then put Allison to bed. Usually at this time I leave the room and Allison and Dad go through their special bedtime ritual where Brian goes through the initials of her name and tells her a special story.

On nights that I am really tired and want nothing more to rush through bedtime so I can relax on the couch, I have to remind myself how special this time is and that I can't take it for granted. Brian and I are very blessed that we get to wrap up our day in this special way.