After a couple weeks of not being around as much as he’d like due to work, the Hubs has been home this past week for dinner and bedtime for the kids every night.  It’s been great- I’ve been cooking, we’ve been having family meals with all 4 of us and I have a someone with me when I’m putting the kids to bed.

Please note, I didn’t say I had “help” putting the kids to bed.  Help isn’t a word I’d use.  The Hubs isn’t helpful at this particular role at all.  Especially when it comes to the Bean- that little girl has the Hubs wrapped around her finger about 10 times over.

Our routine for both kids typically is a teeny-tiny cup of milk, 2 books, potty/teeth brushing, another short book, prayers, a song and bed. Easy as can be and when I’m flying solo each kid’s bedtime (usually spaced 30 mins apart) takes about 20 minutes total.  But now that the Hubs is home- and feeling guilty for not being around much last few weeks- the Bean’s bedtime is pushed back until Scorch’s and the whole thing takes well over 45 mins.  And it’s all the Bean’s fault.  She knows the power she holds over the Hubs- she knows darn well that her request for one more game/book/story/song is going to be agreed to without a second thought, especially when she adds in that extra sweet “Please, daddy? Please?”

As soon as I hear those words, I know the routine has once again been thrown out the window because the Hubs is a sucker for those cute pleas and more fun with the kids.

So I take a deep breath and put a smile on my face  even if I’m gritting my teeth because you know what? These times are precious and they won’t last long.  Pretty soon all the Hubs and I will get is a peck on our cheeks and a “‘Night!” from the kids as they put themselves to bed.  My schedule and routine may be blown to hell, but the kids are going to bed with a smile on their lips and giggles echoing down the hallway.  At the end of the day, you can’t ask for much more then that!