My blankie, my water, AND.....

I have noticed a new, somewhat odd yet endearing, trait of Monkey developing over the past few weeks.

It used to be that (most nights, but not all) she would cry and fuss when we put her into her crib for bedtime. She fights bedtime SO fiercely - there are other things to do Mama! Daddy, let's read at least 10 more books! You know the drill.

But lately, she has started asking for specific items to accompany her to bed.

1.) The blankie. Natch. But this has always been so, and is nothing new to report.
2.) Her sippy cup. Ok, I get this. She got used to having it in her crib just in case she wakes up thirsty at night. I've no empirical evidence that she's ever used it this way - but it is reasonable to want it handy.
3.) And this is where it gets interesting. She wants books. And not just one, but two or three or more. I get the feeling she would take as many books as I would give her! She asks for them by name. These are specific books that she wants to have by her side as she drifts of to sleep!

And after I close the door, she flicks on the light (I've written about this before) and I swear this is true - she reads to herself, outloud! Now, what she is mumbling and what is on the page might be wholly unrelated. But still, how crazy cute is that?

I feel like I should get her a flashlight, and show her how to read under the covers like I did as a kid. Yup, this apple didn't fall far from the tree.