Please Magic Light Turn Green

Dear Dad,

Remember that "magic trick" you would play with me in the car when I was little? "Please Magic Light Turn Green?" When we were stuck at a red light, you would wait until you saw the light turn yellow for the cars going in the opposite direction and then say, "please magic light turn green!," right as our direction turned green. Man, I thought that was amazing (until I figured out your scam). You did have me going for several years though. And I made sure to keep up the facade for Katelyn until she figured it out on her own too.

Well, I wanted to be amazing too, so of course I started doing the same thing with Peter and Aaron. They love it, although sometimes they say it as soon as we stop (wonder where they get the impatient gene from - oops!). But, like you did, I remind them that only Mommy can make it work.

Part two of this story - Peter has moved to him big boy bed! Only 2 years after Brett and I built the bunk beds, but he likes to take his time with things. The only problem with the new bed is that Peter did not want to stay in it! So after several days of fighting with him (he is as strong willed as me... or you for that matter), I started looking online for tools to help.

Then I found the "Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock" - not only did it match the decor of Peter's room, but it was supposed to help with sleep training during the transition to a big boy bed. It worked great! When the light is red he has to stay in his bed and be quiet. When the light turns green, he is allowed to call for me to come and get him (which means my alarm clock is Peter yelling "MOTHER, COME AND GET ME!).

Peter has been doing great! Every once in a while Peter will be playing a little too loudly during nap time when he can't sleep, so I have to go and remind him to be quiet so he doesn't wake Aaron. But he hasn't gotten out of bed ONCE! However, just because he is following the rules, doesn't mean he likes them.

They other day I heard him calling out during nap time, "PLEASE MAGIC LIGHT TURN GREEN!"

I had to stop laughing before I went in to remind him that Aaron was sleeping, and that only mommies and daddies can do that trick.

Thought you would get a kick out of that one. Gotta run to the kids playgroup, but I will write soon.

Love you and miss you lots!
Jill