by Kristen Bagwell

All of you Tangled fans know just what I'm talking about...Rapunzel escapes the tower, is a little nervous but goes and does, and proclaims it the BEST DAY EVER. Even before Tangled, when I got pregnant, I promised myself that my job on this planet was to make every day the best day ever for my daughter. Seems simple enough, until life shows up.

It happened again at bedtime yesterday: we were having such a good time talking about our great weekend (last week) and being excited about the upcoming beach trip (next week), until the 3rd time she came down the steps.  "Mommy. I need to tell you one more thing," she proclaimed. At that point, I had one more thing for her as well, and it was not a Disney movie ending. Why must I wreck the moment with "IFYOUDONTGETINBEDRIGHTNOWTHEREWILLBENOFUN!!"

After another trip to the bathroom, and fixing her nose - which hurt for some mysterious reason that I am guessing had to do with being overtired - she finally laid down, and 10 minutes later, I felt like a big fat meanie. It is so easy to marvel at my daughter's ability to enjoy every single moment during the day, and at the end of the day, it shifts quickly wanting to shove her into bed (for the 3rd time). I sincerely envy her ability to believe that every single thing that happens each day is exciting, and that every evening is the end of the best day ever. Must I squash each ending with GET INTO BED OR ELSE? I guess so, or there will be no new day...at least, not a fun one.

As usual, this post goes in two directions: one being our kooky night-time routine and the other being "why can't I enjoy the moment like my daughter does?" In both cases, I think it's about me getting tangled up (no pun intended) in my own head. I can't be impulsive; I have to be responsible. I can't just enjoy; there are things to be aware of and worry about. I can't let my girl continue to enjoy past 9pm because there will be hell to pay in the morning. Where to draw the line?

I guess this is every mother's lament at some point, but is it just me? I'd love some tips and tricks that will allow each day to end as well as it starts...any takers?