Calagon...Calagon...Anyone have Calagon?

It's a frustrating evening here. Jonathon is REFUSING to go to bed. Now tell me, just how do you convince an almost 20 month old that it is time to go to sleep? I've followed our regular routine, placed him into his bed, sang his "Good Night Jonathon" song and walked out, shutting the door behind me. By the time I hit the kitchen, I heard the pitter patter of his feet slapping against the wood floor in the hallway. Pretty soon, he would appear directly before me and squeal, "Mom." Not momma, ma, Mmmm. It was clear as day, MOM! Over and Over, he did this.

I have tried rocking him, snuggling with him, singing to him, watching TV with him, wrapping him in my blanket. I even tried to stand in his doorway, firmly stating, "NO" as he tried to climb out of his bed each and every time. For Pete's sake, child, GO TO SLEEP!

I've been very lucky with the kids. With the exception of Jacob, they have never been horrible when it comes to going to bed. They have always slept very well, in their cribs and transitioned very easily to a toddler bed. Jonathon is still in a crib but has learned to climb out. This was only on occasion, which we took precautions with doors, gates, etc. However, tonight, he refuses to be in his crib AT ALL. It's like he's a speed escapee, hiking his little leg up over the side. Balances just right on his tummy before he swings his other leg over and slides down the outside of the crib.

So, for now, I have resorted to letting his oldest brother and cousin tire him out entertain him while I finish up some important things. He is currently learning how to play Hide and Seek. Up and down the hallway they go, hiding from the little guy. He's smart. He's caught on to what they are doing and is squealing with delight as he seeks them. He is quick to find them as well but I have an inclination that their giggles are giving away their locations.

This child is on wheels tonight. My goodness! I'm glad that these two older kids are up to the challenge to entertain him because I think I would have lost my mind already. He's picked up the dog dish and took off running into the living room with it. He's tried hiding under the table, climbed onto the chair and ended up directly in the middle of my kitchen table. He's practiced his bottle cap throwing talents, especially when my niece held out her hand and exclaimed "Please". He retaliated by promptly chucking the cap directly at her head! Of course she found it ever so amusing and her laughter caused him to start giggling with those deep belly laughs too.

This would be cute to watch if I wasn't already exhausted, had three tests to study for, housework to get finished, four loads of laundry to fold and put away, back packs to get around, lunches to pack, clothes to have ready and still need to cook dinner for myself. Needless to say, I need some calagon. Or maybe a good stiff drink would suffice.

I hope you have a fantastic evening, free from a bottle cap throwing toddler who absolutely loves playing Hide and Seek.

Until next time...
**Update** Finally, after dozens of attempts to make Jonathon stay in his bed, he finally fell asleep. Granted, it was 11:30pm, three and 1/2 hours after the fiasco started. (sigh) I finally left his door open, sat in the recliner (which allowed me to see directly into his bedroom) and would say, Lay down every 3 minutes when I could hear him hike his leg over the side. What a little stinker! I sure hope he sleeps all-night-long now. G'night!