nie-nie, Mommy

That's what Rachel said matter-of-factly tonight as I was putting her to bed. No bath, she decided.

OK, I figured. That actually makes it easier for me, because the book/bathing/singing routine takes at least 45 minutes every night, so I really don't mind cutting out the bath.

No songs, Mommy, she said.

I lay her down in her crib and she changed her mind about the song. So, I started singing a nice Shabbat tune I love.

No! She protested and added, "baa baa black sheep!"

So, I sang her that, then "You are my sunshine." We usually do three songs, but after "You are my sunshine," she said "nie-nie."

"Do you want to go nie-nie?" I asked.

"Rachel go nie-nie," she insisted.

So, I lay her down, handed her a second "nie-nie binky," and covered her with a blanket.

"Nie-nie," she said cheerfully.

"Um, nie-nie," I said.

"Goodbye," she said, still cheery.

"Goodbye," I answered.

"Goodbye," she said again.

"Goodbye," I said, laughing.

She kept it up for a bit until I shut the door, and then she was out like a light.

If the routine continues to be this pleasant, than perhaps I'll survive Drew's absence after all.