Lazy Days

We have lived here in Lansing for 2 years, and I am embarrassed to say that we have taken many things for granted. There is a church, kiddy corner from our house, it has a daycare, which is astronomically expensive and a little playground. I see it all of the time and well it is fenced in and I have never felt right about playing on it.

The other day the weather was BEAUTIFUL and Beckett had a snot load of energy so we decided to go for a walk, get out of the house and enjoy fall. On our way back to the house he happened to look across the street and saw the treasure trove.

He looked me straight in the eye and said "MOM" then pointed to the playground and made the sign for please. I tried to explain to him that that wasn't our playground and that we would find another. He wouldn't hear a word. He just kept repeating MOM, pointing and signing please. You could see the desperation in his eyes as he begged. Nothing I said would distract him. SO, like a good parent...I gave in and we went and played. I think it was okay, because the gates were open, and there were a lot of visitors to the church and none of them seemed to mind that we were using their playground. Beckett loved it. The best part was this little wooden playground that was in the back part of the fenced in area. It was a playground for "little people". It had a few little houses, 2 slides, a ramp and a big tube to crawl through. I hope that I have learned my lesson. All of those days of playing....gone.

One last thing. So Beckett is getting to be a smart little boy, well, maybe manipulative is a better adjective. He knows my soft spot and he aims for them. The other night we were getting ready for bed, we had brushed our teeth, said our prayers, the lights were off and I had just put Beckett in his bed; then, he starts to call "DAD, DADDA, DAD" he realized that Scott wasn't there to say goodnight. He looked at me with sad eyes and kept saying Dad. Once again, I gave in... I don't think that I spoil Beckett, but there are certain times that he melts my heart, and it is so sincere that there is no way that I can possibly say no. Now, I know the rules, I've watched Nanny 911 and I know that you are not supposed to give in because it makes your authourity look weak, but aren't there exceptions, aren't there times that it is okay to give in? And, who is it really hurting?
I learned the answer to a few of my questions on Sunday night. I told Beckett that it was bed time and to say good night to Dad, and he says...DAD! BOOK! and climbed right up onto his lap and nestled himself behind the book and into Scott's arm, then he looked at me victoriously. Almost mockingly, as if to say, now what. And now I am left here asking the same question, with a completelydifferent meaning....NOW WHAT?