Cookie Monster

It is amazing how much good stuff Owen gives me to share with family and friends.  Like, literally, every day.

So, I am still on my "no losing my temper, only rewarding good behavior" kick.  I mean, it sort of worked Monday night, right?

Last night, I bought cookie dough from Schwan's and told the kids I would make cookies after dinner.  Dinner came and went and while I was getting the cookie dough in the oven, Owen asked for candy.  We have left over candy from the Memorial Day parade and the kids have had some as dessert if they've done a good job eating their dinner over the past two weeks.  I told Owen he could have candy, or he could wait ten minutes and have a big, way bigger than candy, delicious fresh out of the oven, cookie.  He chose candy.  I really, really tried to get him to hold out, but he wasn't having it.  Elsa was on Owen's side, she wanted candy.  Vance was my man, and held out for the cookie.

I passed out the candy to Owen and Elsa and reminded them that they would get NO cookies when they were done and do not even ask for one because the answer will be no.  So, the cookies finish baking and guess what.  No really, guess.  Surprising as it is, Owen wanted a cookie.  I told him no, he had candy and he knew he wouldn't get a cookie.   I started the bath for Owen and Elsa so that Vance and I could eat our fresh out of the oven cookies in peace.  Elsa, being the good girl that she is, got right into the tub and didn't even ask for a cookie.  Owen, on the other hand, was begging for cookies, even trying to steal Vance's.  Yes, he does this ALL of the time.  Usually, he gets whatever it is Vance has, too.  But, this time, Vance kept a better handle on his cookie and Owen didn't get it.

Finally, Vance finishes his cookie and I get all three of them into the bathtub.  I push the cooling rack of cookies to the back of the counter, lest any hands or dogs try to get them.  Baths go smoothly, believe it or not, there was very little fighting over who gets to sit under the tap and I don't think I heard any cries, but I had just taken cold medicine so there's a good chance my buzz made me not hear anything.

I get the kids out of the tub.  I put the boys in their room to get dressed, telling Owen I will be in there in a minute to help him with his diaper (we ran out of pull ups so he has been wearing diapers all week, which has been a horrible mistake because he LOVES wearing diapers).  In the meantime, I go to help Elsa get dressed.  She's three years old and does a great job, but for some reason, she never puts her underpants on the right way.  Plus, we need to brush her hair to avoid any knots later on.

After helping Elsa, it took maybe two minutes, I go into Owen's room.  He's gone.  I have had this kid for three years now, I should know better, right?  So, I go down the hall into the kitchen and what do I find?  A completely naked Owen standing in the middle of the kitchen eating a chocolate chip cookie.  He is so proud of himself, too.  But, I do not yell.  Nope, I let him finish his cookie, wipe up the chocolate from his face, and take him to his room to get his diaper on and get him in his pajamas.

What Owen wants, Owen gets.  Seriously.  No one stands in his way.