Nicholas stories

As part of the night-time routine, Raina asks for "two things and one story." Two things means "please tell me two things about myself that make you (the parent) happy." Raina just glows when she is complimented, and I enjoy thinking of the two things I will share with Raina each night. Eric enjoys the one story more. It used to be that Raina wanted an adaptation of the Goldilocks story, but now she wants one thing only: a Nicholas story. You see, Nicholas is this four foot stuffed cat who sleeps on the cot next to Raina's bed. And while Raina and Nicholas are separated, Nicholas stars in his own adventures. He goes to the big kids' playground, shops at the grocery store, makes a train set, works puzzles, plays the piano, checks on Roxanne, cuddles with the cows, worries about storms and bugs, and a whole assortment of other things each day. And, of course, at nighttime Raina wants to know what Nicholas did during his day too. Almost without fail, Nicholas did the same thing that Raina did that day because he was sad that he was left at home. Sometimes he has to pretend that he's doing something (like making his own big kids' playground in the living room) but he always has a good time. And he always rejoices when Raina comes to bed and they can be together again.

Eric is much more creative with the Nicholas stories and, when he has composed a really good one, he shares it with the adults too. It's good to know what goes on in your house when you're not paying attention.