We've made the switch!
A little background....
Carter has been so comfortable and content in his crib all this time, so much so that we have really put off making the switch to the big boy bed. My thinking was that he loves his crib, and he has never tried to climb out, so why rock the boat until we have to? (obviously, I KNEW we were going to have to by the end of the summer in order to get ready for Ella. No, I wouldn't keep my child in a crib forever). He has been really excited to lay and play on his new mattress (it's been lying on the floor in Ella's room for a week or two), but I wasn't sold that the switch would simply be that easy - just because I know my child. He is somewhat of a "nervous nellie." He is very cautious, apprehensive, and reluctant to try new things. I figured there was a chance that once he saw us moving his furniture out, moving new furniture in, and all the new bedding and everything else, he may decide he didn't like it.
So, onto yesterday when we were doing just that. He seemed very excited to help Eric move Ella's furniture over to her room and put his twin bed together. He also kept referring to it as "my new bed!" He did seem happy and excited, but I still wasn't sure he was grasping the entire concept and understanding the finality if his "baby bed" being moved to Ella's room. I was still nervous. We went to dinner, came home, played a little while, then it was bedtime. We did our usual bedtime routine. So far so good.... everyone is still holding it together. Well, except for me, of course! I cried as I gave him kisses, told him goodnight and left him in there with his Daddy to read books and sing songs.... what they do each and every night. What can I say... I'm a pregnant, hormonal and tender hearted Mommy! So Eric did his thing in there with him while I listened and watched over the monitor, crossing my fingers, saying little prayers, and hoping for it all to go smoothly. And I have to say, it wasn't so bad! There were a few brief moments where Carter seemed a little nervous.... he first wanted to keep his lamp on, and then wanted Daddy to sleep in his bed too... but Eric did a great job of talking him down and convincing him it was all going to be okay each time. Once Eric left, there were no tears, no whining, no movement, nothing. Just a quiet and tired
little big boy who snuggled his lovey and Shamu, and went right to sleep! Around 12:30, he had a mini meltdown over some extra pillows that were in bed with him. He couldn't make up his mind if he wanted them in there or not, and it was about a 30 minute ordeal getting him to settle down and go back to sleep, but he finally did. And he slept until 7:00 this morning without another sound. AND he took a 2 hour nap in his new bed this afternoon with no problems at all! SO very proud of you, big boy!! You were very ready for this, and I'm so grateful you had a great night and day today!!
A BIG thank you to Eric... the best husband & daddy we could ask for. You kept me in check emotionally over the last few days, reassuring me that it's all going to work out and be JUST fine. AND, you handled our son beautifully in his huge moment of change. I don't think I could have done that myself. Actually, I know I couldn't have..... given the blubbering mess I was after leaving you two in there together. So thank you.... I love you and the wonderful Daddy you are.
Here are some pictures of him and his new bed. We are still working on the transition of all the clothes, books, toys, etc.... so I'll post pictures of that in the next few days once we get it all put together!
Helping Daddy put his bed together
All set, now time to play!
I wanted to sneak in and get a picture of him sleeping, but Eric wouldn't allow it. :)
So this is the best I could get!
He woke up at his normal time, and happily played in his bed for about 15 minutes before Eric and I went in there to get him. Here he is just as we walked in.... so big!
Then before we even got our hands on him, he just slid right out of his bed on his own, like he had been waiting to do that for the last 15 minutes. I know one day soon he'll just do this whenever he wants, but for now, I like that he waits for us!
