Chalk another one up to 'them knowing more than you think'

A couple of nights ago, Colin was stalling. He had already been tucked into bed, but a few minutes later, he came to my room with his classic technique:

"Mommy, I just want to snuggle with you."

Most nights, I can't resist that one... I let him climb in bed next to me and we talk about his day, or we watch youtube clips of Ina or Giada cooking, or I check my Google Reader or whatever. He usually conks within a few minutes.

This night, though, it was late, and I knew he needed to hit the sack. "Not tonight, buddy." I said.  "We'll snuggle tomorrow."

"Can I go down and say goodnight to Daddy?"

Now, this had already been done--twice--but I said, "Sure.  Go say goodnight to Daddy, but then come right back and get in bed."

As I guessed would happen, he was gone for a little while. I figured that he was just pulling more stall tactics with Shane...but after about 10 minutes, he came back with an index card in his hand.

Now, if you didn't know, my Colin is quite the artist. He loves anything he can create, paint, put together, cut, glue, form, or fashion. This night, however, he 'created' my favorite project to date.

"Mom, look what I did with this alphabet card!"

(A couple of years ago, I made some flashcards to help Colin learn and memorize his alphabet. Score on the creativity, I know...he definitely didn't get the artistic side from me.)

I grabbed the card and took a look.

Awww! I thought. Look what he did with the "M" letter! 
He spelled out Mom. Such a smart little guy.

Then, I flipped the card over and got the biggest chuckle of the week--and
some more of those warm, fuzzy feelings only your littles can give you.

 And, in case you can't interpret a first grader's spelling, it says:

"I love you so much that I think that my head will fall off.  I love you Mom."

Aaaaaaand....

....in my bed he climbed.

Best.Ever.Stalling.Technique. 

Ever.