Bedtime

There is a lot of teamwork in getting Ellie to bed each night. Cydil pretends to be a dental hygienist and helps clean Ellie's teeth. Potty and pajamas are next as well as some sort of bedtime story. Then comes our Bible story and prayers before the lights go out. We use the "Read and Share Bible" that Nonna and Pappa gave Ellie for Christmas one year for the Bible story time. As God's timing would have it, we were reading about Jesus' triumphal entry, trial, death and resurrection this past week! What a privilege to share with her Elisona how much God loves her! Ellie especially likes the illustrations in the book and was almost as excited as Mary Magdalene to see the angel sitting on the rolled away stone! The burial clothes confused her a little though as she was sure that Jesus had broken his leg. I thought I had cleared that up, but two nights later when Jesus was pictured with his rejoicing disciples, Els exclaimed, "Look dad, his leg is not broken anymore!"

As with any child going to bed, Ellie has her stalling techniques. One is asking for specifics about what is going to happen the next day. We have to be careful to only mention things we are sure will happen because she never forgets and our plans are the first thing out of her mouth in the morning. (see post below)

A couple of nights ago after our entire bedtime routine:

Ellie:

"Daddy, tell me the story of Ellie goes to the doctor."

Me:

"No Ellie, we have already read stories, it is time for bed."

Ellie:

"Please daddy."

Me:

"How about the story of Ellie goes to bed. One night Elisona brushed her teeth, put on her pajamas, read a Bible story, climbed into bed, laid her head on her pillow and went to sleep without complaining."

Ellie:

"No daddy, that was a THREE page story. I want a FIVE page story!"

I was smiling inside as I turned off the light and kissed her goodnight. Ellie's story continues to add pages and each one is a blessing to her mom and dad!