A new best friend

Steve's in Boston.  He comes back tonight, but Stephen has found a replacement best friend in Steve's absence.

Stephen's bribe arrived at our doorstep yesterday.  It was a brand new Buzz Lightyear with talking abilities, a laser, and pop-out wings.  Stephen received this as a reward for wearing his goggles during the last swim session.

I tried to bribe him two swim sessions ago (great parenting, right?).  He told me he wanted a Buzz with a laser, but then when the time came to put on the goggles, he said he didn't want a Buzz (?!!!!).

I tried again.  It worked.  He wore his goggles even though he didn't want to.  He no longer flailed about in the pool and his swimming improved.  I was on the hook for a FIFTY-DOLLAR TOY!!!!

Stephen waited a whole week after the swim session ended for Buzz.  His anticipation grew and when he finally got his hands on Buzz, he exploded with excitement.  He played with Buzz all afternoon and all evening.  He said goodnight to Buzz and gave him a hug before bed and carefully put him away in the toy bin.

This morning, I learned that Buzz was worth much more than fifty bucks.  I woke up to Mi Na's screaming and was surprised that Stephen wasn't the one to wake me up.  I checked his bed and saw that he was gone. Then I heard him playing around in the basement with Buzz.  I'm not sure how much extra sleep I got, but I'm grateful for it.  I wonder how long the excitement will last.