You know how in the movies, where parents would kiss their child good night, turn off the light, and walk out of the room peacefully undisturbed?  Well, that scene never happens in my house.  Bedtime routine in my house is at least an hour-long affair.  After remarking on how she wanted to make a mark in this world, Plum said to me as I was leaving her room, “Mommy, I love you to the moon and back.”

Me, touched yet suspicious of her new direction of stalling technique: Awww sweetie, I love you too.

Plum, encouraged that I might take the bait: How much do you love me?!

Me, not one to back down from a challenge: I love you to the sun and back!

Plum: I love you so much!  I love you to the sun and back and back!

Me: Oh yeah?  I love you to Pluto and back!

Plum, now audibly NOT-sleepy: Wow, that’s a lot.  I love you SO MUCH though.  I love you more than words can express!

Me, inwardly elated, checkmate (!): Ok then, shhhhh…. go to sleep.  Good night, I love you Plum.

You know how in the movies where the protagonist walked away a winner, his arm held high as he pumped in the air in victory?  Well, that just happened in my house!