Smart Little Dinosaur

Dear LittleDude,

Last night's story time was the best story time ever. Lately, you've had quite a list of bedroom stories. Before I rock you, I have to read "Dinosaur Food" (a.k.a. "How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?"), "Dinosaur Goodnight" ("How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?"), "Dinosaur Cat" ("How Do Dinosaurs Take Care of Cats?"), and "Cereal" (a Cheerio play book). When I rock you, I have to recite all those dinosaur stories and add "Dinosaur Cookie" ("How Do Dinosaurs Eat Cookies?"), "Dinosaur Ho-Ho" ("Dinosaur Christmas"), "Pajama Time" (correct title), and "Goodnight, Gorilla" (also correct title). (It's a good thing I have a good memory!)

Usually, you just curl up in my lap and play with my fingers or rub my cheek with your hand. Sometimes, you try to tickle me. Other times, you're content to look at the stars on your ceiling and just listen. But last night? Last night you recited every word of "Dinosaur Ho-Ho," "Dinosaur Food," and "Pajama Time" right along with me, looking up at me and smiling and giggling the entire time. You're such a smart little guy!

I love you, little dinosaur.
Love, Mommy

Daddy's Shoes

Dear LittleDude,

Hiding Daddy's PT shoes will not make him have to stay home from work. Neither will hiding Daddy's boots (in case you're thinking of trying it). Now, will you please tell me where you hid them?

I love you.

Love, Mommy

Monkey It Is?

Dear LittleDude,

After all the crying yesterday and the night before, now you want the Monkey sheet? Well, okay...

I love you.
Love, Mommy

Stars It Is

Dear LittleDude,

If you're scared to sleep on the Monkey sheet instead of the Stars sheet, it's easier to say "No Monkey!" or "I'm scared!" or pretty much anything than screaming and crying like you're having the worst nightmares ever all night long. So, let's make a deal. After I finish my third cup of coffee, we will search the internet to see if we can find another Stars sheet exactly like your favorite. Then, even if we can't find one, I promise I will try to remember to never ever ever wash your sheets so close to bedtime or naptime that you have to sleep on anything else, but you have to promise to be brave if something like a mid-sleep illness, washing machine malfunction, or faulty Mommy memory results in a Monkey sheet being on your bed.

I love you.
Love, Mommy