diff --git a/xos/tosca/tests/observerComputeTest.py b/xos/tosca/tests/observerComputeTest.py
index 0a803be..972b62c 100644
--- a/xos/tosca/tests/observerComputeTest.py
+++ b/xos/tosca/tests/observerComputeTest.py
@@ -29,7 +29,11 @@
         instance = self.assert_obj(Instance, "test_compute1")
         assert(instance.flavor.name == "m1.small")
 
-        self.run_model_policy(save_output="/tmp/instancetest:create_instance:model_policy")
+        # first pass makes the Networks
+        self.run_model_policy(save_output="/tmp/instancetest:create_instance:model_policy_first")
+
+        # second pass makes the NetworkControllers
+        self.run_model_policy(save_output="/tmp/instancetest:create_instance:model_policy_second")
 
         # first observer pass should make any necessary networks or ports
         self.run_observer(save_output="/tmp/instancetest:create_instance:observer_first")
@@ -37,10 +41,23 @@
         # reset the exponential backoff
         instance = self.assert_obj(Instance, "test_compute1")
         instance.backend_register="{}"
+        instance.save()
 
-        # second observer pass should instantiate the instance
+        # third pass reset lazy_blocked
+        self.run_model_policy(save_output="/tmp/instancetest:create_instance:model_policy_third")
+
+        # second observer pass should instantiate the controller networks
+        #    (might instantiate the instance, too)
         self.run_observer(save_output="/tmp/instancetest:create_instance:observer_second")
 
+        # reset the exponential backoff
+        instance = self.assert_obj(Instance, "test_compute1")
+        instance.backend_register="{}"
+        instance.save()
+
+        # third observer pass should instantiate the instance
+        self.run_observer(save_output="/tmp/instancetest:create_instance:observer_third")
+
         instance = self.assert_obj(Instance, "test_compute1")
 
         assert(instance.instance_id is not None)