Baby Boy No More

I am still a bit sad as I write this post because I am trying to wrap my mind around the fact that my baby boy is no longer a baby, but a toddler learning to discover his Independence. We reached a big milestone this weekend, moving him from his crib to a twin bed. I wasn't sure he was ready for this transition entirely, but I wanted to get him completely settled in his new room before his little sister comes and changes life as he knows it. This way he isn't dealing with multiple stressors at once and it makes me feel less guilty (although only slightly) as a mommy who is about to split my attention and energy between two children instead of one.

So I took him to the store to pick out the bed rails and was really hyping up the whole thing all day trying to get him super excited. I'm not sure he really understood what I was talking about but he was jumping around anyways because he knew something good was happening.

When John got home from work we prepared to do battle and discussed our plan of action should Eli refuse to stay in bed and the whole thing was a disaster. We did the usual bedtime routine, bath, teeth, stories, singing, prayer, and snuggles, and then I firmly told Eli that he was to stay in his bed and NOT get out. I warned that a spank would be waiting for him should I catch him on the floor. He said "okay" and "night night" so I gave him kisses and shut the door.

John and I were eating pizza downstairs and glued to our video monitor watching him. He cried for maybe 30 seconds, looked around the room, jumped a few times on his bed, shook the headboard, and then eventually lay down and starting sucking his fingers. He didn't get out once! It was magical and we were so relieved. He slept great all night long and woke up at his usual time of 7:45 in the morning.

Nap time today I was alone and a bit worried but he did great. He hopped off the bed once and I was on him like a ninja and gave him a little spank on his leg. He was testing the waters but he got the message and went right to sleep. God is so good. He knows that I am too pregnant and too tired to deal with a screaming, wild toddler refusing to stay in bed. Thank you Lord. And now I can finally fill the nursery with all the pink, girly clothes that I've been so excited to get out.

Baby Eli, just a couple weeks old in his cradle

First night in his new bed

Storytime

Goodnight kisses for daddy