diff --git a/src/instance/base.js b/src/instance/base.js
index 0dcfc6c..3b7cacd 100644
--- a/src/instance/base.js
+++ b/src/instance/base.js
@@ -46,6 +46,8 @@
       this.shadowRoots = {};
       // install property observers
       this.createPropertyObserver();
+      // TODO (sorvell): temporarily open observer when created
+      this.openPropertyObserver();
       // install boilerplate attributes
       this.copyInstanceAttributes();
       // process input attributes
@@ -54,6 +56,10 @@
       this.addHostListeners();
     },
     makeElementReady: function() {
+      if (this._readied) {
+        return;
+      }
+      this._readied = true;
       // TODO(sorvell): We could create an entry point here
       // for the user to compute property values.
       // process declarative resources
@@ -64,8 +70,9 @@
       this.removeAttribute('unresolved');
       // user entry point
       this.ready();
+      // TODO (sorvell): temporarily open observer when created
       // turn on property observation and take any initial changes
-      this.openPropertyObserver();
+      //this.openPropertyObserver();
     },
     attachedCallback: function() {
       this.cancelUnbindAll();