The Jr VP seems to want and need more attention now that the Intern also lives with us. Since I won’t give it to him in real life, I hope that this is enough. Two things:

1. The Jr. VP never ceases to amaze me. Watching TV last night an ad came on that featured a snippet of the Man in Black’s “Ring of Fire.” The lad immediately starts yelling Ring of Fire! Ring of Fire! The last time I can remember playing “Ring of Fire” at the HQ the Jr VP was 15 months old. Unless they play it for the kids at his ’school’ (seems an odd musical choice for a daycare) I have no idea how he recognizes that song. The Jr VP very possibly has a secret life that both I and the CFO know nothing about. A secret life that somehow involves listening to Johnny Cash.

2. The Jr VP has honed his skill at extending bedtime to the last possible instant. These aren’t one-off tools that he uses; the entire list might be run through in a 90 second period.

Tricks of the trade for the master procrastinator:

“Look, a (queen, puppet, rocket, kitty etc)! Lookit!!” (said as he points to an ABC’s poster showing all kinds of stuff corresponding to letters of the alphabet.)

“Can I tell you a secret?” (one of his classic moves)

“Close the door!” (the closet door MUST BE CLOSED prior to sleep. The lad will make sure you are well aware of this rule)

“More milk please.” (whether he is thirsty or not)

“Where is my puppy?” (one or more stuffed puppies must accompany him to bed every evening)

“I am a puppy!” (not sure about his thinking on this one)

“Looking good Daddy!” (I then must answer “Feeling good, Jr!”)

“I want the Wiggles book!” (I swear he saves this one for when he knows it is out in the car)

“One more hug!” (difficult to refuse; often used when the bedtime situation is looking dire)

“I love you Mommy!” (again, a potent weapon, probably the most powerful one in his arsenal; the boy knows that he will at least get an “I love you too” back from Mommy. Difficult for him to go to the well too many times with that one.)

“Rambling Man?” (a last ditch desperation move. No Stinkboy, we are not going to put on an Allman Brothers cd before bedtime)

I have no doubt that tonight he will ask for Ring of Fire before bed. If he does I just might give in. Hell, there is no just about it — the CEO will fold faster than Superman on laundry day if the lad wants to hear some Johnny Cash before bed. Better let the CFO tuck him in tonight.