A few nights ago I amended Della's bedtime routine by letting her snuggle in my bed (normal) while eating a Popsicle (not normal). During the witching hour antics she'd managed to smash her lip on her little brother's helmet which was of course securely mounted to his head (recent favorite thing) as they played a crazy game of tag before bedtime (also normal). There were tears of pain and of anger as the two children were separated and dragged off to their respective bed-time routines.
Della isn't one much for holding an ice pack to her lip so I thought a Popsicle would be a brilliant alternative. Which it was as she later informed me that the Popsicle was
"soooo good" and
"can I have another". To which my answer was no.
Here's where it gets really fun ...
(Della)
Can I have an ice pack?
(Mama)
Does your lip still hurt?
(D)
Yes.
(M)
Go get the ice pack out of the freezer and come right back (as I'm brushing my teeth)
. Be quiet, daddy's putting your brother down for bed. (Yes Della knows, from past experience, where the ice pack is stashed in the freezer.)
As I crawl into bed Della comes to the bedroom door, peaks her head in but does not open the door all the way nor does she come in the room (unusual)
(D)
I want to go to sleep in my own bed (fairly unusual).
(M)
Are you alright?
(D)
Yes
(M)
Are you tired, do you want to go to sleep?
(D)
No. I just want to go lay down in my room.
(M) W
ould you like me to tuck you in?
(D)
No (she still hasn't entered our room nor opened the door all the way)
(M)
Do you want to watch your movies (tablet)?
(D)
No ... I just want to go to my room.(very unusual)
Finally mommy connects the dots
(M)
Della, go put the 2nd Popsicle back.
Sneaky girl had grabbed a 2nd Popsicle out of the freezer. She almost had me!
**Mama Defense: It was late in the work week, past my bedtime, and I wasn't thinking clearly!!**
This mischievous moment followed closely behind one a few days prior where Della held my kindle hostage. Her words were very much along the lines of
"mommy, you can have this [kindle] back after you get me a snack" ... said while holding said kindle in front of her face and looking me solidly in the eyes with a very serious and determined look on her face.
I do believe our little miss Della will be force to be reckoned with very shortly.