another chapter from mrs. piggle-wiggle

Thank_god_for_ebay

At bedtime, after reading the chapter, “The Won’t-Go-to-Bedders Cure.” Stefan said, “What would Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle do for me, since I can’t get to sleep at night?” “Well,” I said, “First, I have to call all the other parents, and ask them what they do. ‘Ring, ring. Hello? Mrs. McGallicutty? Do you have a problem getting Drake, Carlotta or Bruchetta to go close their eyes at night and go to sleep?’

And Mrs. McGallicutty, says, ‘Oh no, as soon as the children’s heads hit their pillows they fall asleep, sometimes BEFORE their heads even touch the pillow. Why?’ ‘Well,’ I tell her, ‘Stefan has such a hard time closing his eyes at night.’ Mrs. McGallicutty says, ‘Have you spoken with Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle?’

And Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle says, “Have Stefan ride over on his bike to pick up the Can’t-Go-to-Sleepers kit.” But the kit is so huge you can’t ride with it on your bike. In fact, you have to pay a big African man to carry the kit back to the house on his head.

The kit consists of lights that we have GSO install in your room. Lights so bright, so colorful and twinkly that when you lay on your bed, you HAVE to close your eyes AND wear the sleep mask from Air France over your eyes.

And after three nights, you beg to have the lights removed. You say, “Can’t I just count sheep?” And I say, “Maybe, if you are good, you can just have the overhead light, and the hall light and the little bedside lamp.”

“The big bright lights are a good idea though.” says the Won’t-go-to-Sleeper, who has to find just the right stuffed animal to sleep with, and have a glass of ice water and have the mosquito net adjusted before he finally gives up.

Wont_go_to_sleeper

Comments

5 responses to “another chapter from mrs. piggle-wiggle”

  1. Amy in Malaysia Avatar

    Man – we have never had that bedroom furniture! We get the ‘kids’ kind! And I SO know that lamp is not EMB issue! I want one.

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  2. MoscowMom Avatar

    That was really sweet. I hope he got to bed ok. Oh–and I’ve been asking friends about apartments vs. embassy compound living. General consensus is go for the compound. The conveniences are worth it. You’ll also be glad you’re right in the center of everything location-wise. The apartments are pretty scattered all over; some could put you far from the French school. Yes, it will be a pain to orchestrate your own transportation for Stefan, but , well… You’ve already lived in Niger–and thrived–so I’m sure you’ll do fine! Any more thoughts about school for Camille? You’d be able to easily commute to the English International School on Krilatskoe from the embassy. She might also really like AAS. Did you get to visit it when you were here?

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  3. mc Avatar
    mc

    I remember many years ago Tanaya and I were worried about our son Philippe doing too much, he was swimming competitvely and playing water polo. His coach told us just keep him tired it’s good. There’s some truth to this.

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  4. Mom Avatar
    Mom

    Looks to me like you finally found the solution. Stefan never did go to sleep very easily. You would think you had him knocked out and in a few minutes he was up and going again.

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  5. Jonas Avatar

    I LOVED Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle as a kid and have given her books (did you know there were quite a few?) to nieces and clihdren’s friends quite often. I was surprised to read that Sarah enjoyed it too I’ll have to try it soon with Lucy Bea, who’s about the same age (although maybe it helps a 2-year old to have older siblings listening attentively?).

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