I'm sure there's a reason we taught them to talk

While I don't remember it being a conscious decision to teach them... this whole 'kids able to talk on their own' thing has its pros and cons.

Bedtime routines have evolved somewhat... and each is enjoyable in their own way... most of the time. When putting Zach to bed, we usually have fun chats about whatever he did that day "played", read a book and then the routine of turning out the light "green light, go" and ensuring that all his sleep toys are tucked in comfortably. That crew consisting of Joey, Mickey Mouse, Moose-Moose and Lion.. Lion, by the way, gives fairly decent back scratches. Then it's "good night, sweet dreams" and therabouts 8pm it's done.

Little miss, however, is not so much into the sit-in-the-chair and read bedtime stories anymore... now we must sit on the floor and she may read to me (or have me read) teacher-style (display book, read page, turn page, display and repeat)... or she'll want to try any put "ponies" (those hair elastic thingys) in my unfortunately inadequate hair. It takes forever to convince her to get into her now toddler-bed and most of the time she doesn't go willingly. When she does, all her friends must be there... which currently include Charlotte (the frog), Dora, Daisy, Baby, Princess, Sheepy, Minnie Mouse... several of whom all evidently need or should have their own blankies (tea towels). But we'll have chats about who she played with or how many 'ponies' daddy should get in his hair. When she doesn't want to go to bed... she'll squawk or screech at me. In fact, back to the subject line, whenever she doesn't get anything that she wants, that's what she'll do.

Getting out of the house, on a daily basis, is another unfortunate impact of this whole kids-talking thing. Everything rolls right along until almost exactly 8am when somehow the listening stops... shoes or boots won't go on and they'd rather play or run around instead of getting ready an in to the car. Drives me nuts... and there's yelling on both sides.

Still though, I love those night time chats before bed...