a battle of wits.

I have a 2.5 year old...a 2.5 year old is far more stubborn than his older brother (i think he gets that from his father :) )

tonight we got to bed late because hunter was reading (yes, i mean mostly reading/sounding out words/going off memory for some) our goodnight story so it took a bit longer than normal. but teeth were brushed, foreheads kissed and doors left slightly ajar with the hall light on. As i head down the stairs i remind the boys to be quiet and go to sleep. Hunter is told that any noise i hear from him will cost him 2 pennies and Judah is told that any noise from him will result in the hall light being turned off. Well, h is asleep in about 3 seconds and j is belting out a story to himself at the top of his lungs so i head upstairs and simply flip off the hall light and wait. after about 2.3 nanoseconds judah starts screaming, "its too dark mommy!" and then the following conversations occurs:

me: judah, i know it is dark. you talked so the light has to be off now. its called a consequence.

j: but mommy the monsters are coming out.

m: judah you know monsters are not real

j:but you didnt sing jesus loves me

m: ok, (insert me singing jesus loves judah). now, go to sleep judah

j (still wailing): but mommy, we just ran out of time

m: what?

j: we just ran out of time and didnt read my story about the motorcycles, dump trucks, hot air ballons and fire trucks.

m: youre right judah, we did run out of time. we can read it tomorrow

j: no mommy we have to read it tonight

m: no judah, we will read it tomorrow.

j: but mommy its dark and i cant see my book so i need you to turn the hall light on. 

m: no.

j: but mommy, i will listen to you

m: too bad judah, we will try again with listening tomorrow.

j: but mommy, i have listening ears on now

m: too late. 

j: but mommy, i really need milk.

m: no.

j: but mommy, i really need to go potty and you can leave the light on in bathroom when i go back to my bed

m: ok, lets go potty but the light is going back off

j: but mommy i just need lights.

m; no.

j; but mommy, i just want to go to grandpas house.

m: on monday judah

j: but mommy, if i listen will you have the lights on on saturday?

m: sure.

j: ok mom go turn light on

m: judah its not saturday

j: (insert wailing): but mommy, i love saturday

m: goodnight judah

j: but mommy i need you to hold me 

m: judah i will lay my head on your pillow for a few minutes

j; for 2 minutes mommy?

m: sure.

j: ok. but mommy i really need to tell you a question.

m: what is it?

j: well mommy i need you to sing jesus loves me again

m: ok.

(so i sing and get up to go)

j: but mommy i just want to help you do dishes.

m: goodnight judah. (as i exit the room)

about 2 more minutes of wailing before judah passes out from exhaustion...and no, i am not exaggerating the number of "but mommy"'s. the time has come for judah and i to battle about who is in charge in this house...thankfully he is the last 2 year old i anticipate having.