Big Girl Bed

Let's Change Things UP!!

Well, my baby girl is growing up. I know this is a good thing, but it is also extremely difficult for me. She is my baby! (Actually, I have a hard time with all three of them growing up!) I have been thinking alot lately about moving Madeline out of the crib. She will be 2 and a half next month. She hasn't complained about the crib. She doesn't protest going down to bed. BUT.. she is a climber. We have found her on top of the changing table, on top of the bathroom counter, on the kitchen table, on the air hockey table, on the kitchen counter... the list goes on and on. My girl can CLIMB like the best of them. The idea of her deciding to climb out of her crib terrifies me. So, that outweighed any dreams I had of keeping this remnant of babyhood, the crib.

Two days ago I showed her all of the pieces of the toddler bed. I explained to Madeline that this was going to be her big girl bed. She smiled and nodded and said yes, Mama.. but I had no clue if she understood. Yesterday we pulled out all of the pieces and began assembling her bed. She watched and helped and handed daddy screws like a champ. She was VERY into building the big girl bed. Her brothers hovered around helping and throwing dolls at each other. (Yup, they are all boy!)

After the bed was assembled Madeline put her blankies and babies onto the new bed. She covered her babies up and kissed them goodnight. It was so cute. We ate dinner and talked about the big girl bed. We took pictures of the big girl bed. It was a celebratory mood.

Right before bedtime we broke out the new Princess sheets. Talk about being over the moon. Madeline was in heaven. She couldn't believe how lucky she was. She laughed and pointed and showed her brothers her bed. It was adorable.

Next came bedtime. We bathed Madeline and put her in her pajamas. We followed the exact night time routine we always have. We rocked and sang songs. Daddy flew her through the air to bed.

Right as she hit the pillow she said..................... no.

I swooped in and started bouncing her on her big girl bed, getting her to laugh. We then made a quick exit and waited. We stood by Madeline's door for a few minutes listening to.... silence.

Madeline slept through the night in her big girl bed. Heck, she slept in until 9am which is a first. This morning we heard her door open and out she walked proud as can be, carrying her blankie. She was so happy. She brought me in to see her bed. She sat on it and said "Madeline nap bed." We cheered. We danced. Woohooo!!

So.. now we will see how nap time goes today. The crib is still assembled and ready if needed. I have a feeling that this little lady who has always been very independent is going to do just fine. She is a strong person with great pride.

I love you Miss M and am so proud of you sleeping in your big girl bed!