Bed Time and The Manipulator

My sweet Halle has learned how to manipulate her parents. Last night this is how bed time went:
8:45 - we read stories, say prayers, hugs, kisses, cuddles, and as I walk out I always say something like, "Stay in your bed, lights off, door closed, and go to sleep. What happens if you get out of bed?" Halle's response is either "You'll take [whatever stuffed animal she's sleeping with] away" or "Go to time out."

She almost always gets a courtesy get out of bed free card and we threaten one more time. The next time, we follow through.

9:00 Watching American Idol and I'm thinking, "Wow! She didn't even get out of bed!" Door opens.
Jared: (Goes upstairs) Halle, go to sleep
Halle: I'm reading to my giraffe! (stuffed animal of choice that night)
Jared: Okay. Well, go to sleep.
(We do our best never to get mad when she is simply reading quietly in bed.)
Door closes.
9:30 Door opens
Jared: Halle, what do you need?
Halle: Mommy
Me: Halle, what do you need?
Halle: I need cuddles.

Seriously. How do you resist that? I can't get mad at her for that. She's really learned what to say when that door opens. Usually it's just that she needs water, or needs to go to the bathroom. But last night she brought manipulation to a whole new level. But, that's okay. Because I think it's great that she enjoys reading so much, and I absolutely love that she wants some cuddle time with her mommy.

On another topic, have you seen Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs? It's a must see. In the movie when the main characters kiss they puff out their cheeks, pucker up, and close their eyes. This is now how we are required to kiss in our household. Halle puffs out her cheeks, then we do the same. Then she says, "close your eyes, close your eyes." We close our eyes and puff our cheeks and she gives us a kiss. What a silly girl.