Toddler Bed Troubles :(

I don't even know what to say, except I didn't think it would be this hard. I remember nearly 2 weeks ago he was jumping for joy in excitement over his big boy dinosaur bed and I had only hoped he would be that excited to sleep in it. I have been reading many sources and seeking advice from those who have gone through this transition and I am not having much success. I know he is only 2, but he is smart and knows what kind of game he is playing. Momma played the fool for peace of mind these past few weeks, but no more. Tonight after many unsuccessful attempts and prayer I finally had to leave him to cry, scream and bang on the door as much as it broke my heart. I am not sure if he made it back to his bed or not, we will soon find out.

Tonight I broke down in tears begging for him to stay in bed and I could see the sadness and fear in his eyes, but he kept fighting it. I guess seeing Momma sad didn't help either. Now I hear silence. This too shall pass. Just try and pass quickly! Please!

Big Boy Bed!

This past Sunday we converted Caleb's crib into the toddler bed. We had been telling him about his new dinosaur room and at first he was hesitant and wanted to stay in his crib. After a few weeks, he started to come around when I would ask him if he wanted his dinosaur room. He was more than excited as Kerry began to dismantle his bed. He couldn't wait! He wanted to help get it all set up! When he saw his new dinosaur bedding he was thrilled! Triceratops! T-Rex! Pterodactyl! He wanted to go nigh nigh right away! It wasn't bedtime yet, but I had hoped that he would go nigh nigh just as excited later.....

No such luck. He climbed out immediately and non stop for about 2 hours. We tried the Super Nanny approach of continually putting him back in his bed without saying anything. No such luck. We both took shifts of sitting in the room without making eye contact. He stayed in his bed, but was not settling down. A quarter of 11pm, I went to bed and Kerry had taken the late shift. The next day nap time was a struggle. Getting out of bed and twisting the door knob begging to get out. He finally gave up after 20 minutes and crashed on the floor beside his door. Poor guy. Bedtime was still a bit of a struggle, but easier than the first night. Today he woke up and called for us. This time he had the freedom to come to our room and it took him awhile to figure that out. I kept calling, "Caleb. Come here. Come to Momma." He would call back. Next thing you hear is the pitter patter of little feet running into our room and climbing into our bed. That was the best. Nap time today I dealt with the same issue of getting out and doorknob twisting, but it only lasted maybe 10 minutes. Again, I find him asleep next to the door. Bedtime was much easier tonight. A little crying, a little begging for certain things to prolong going to bed, but no repeated escapes from the bed! He settled down rather quickly! Day 3 nap time was normal. He stayed in his bed without a problem! Yippee!

Lots of transitions come with raising children. I don't know that I was aware of all of these from the start. I never look forward to any of them because I always fear the worst and thankfully Caleb has transitioned nicely over the past 2 years. I know each day will get easier. Next transition is potty training. After that, becoming a big brother. Then I get to look forward to all of these transitions with Baby #2 and hope I am as lucky as I have been.

Happy New Year!

Its crazy how time flies and another year has passed. I like to reflect on blessings in the past year, things I am grateful for in no special order:

1) Kerry finding a new job in Indiana where he can be joyful doing what he loves.
2) Selling our house in AZ in less than 48 hrs during the worst real estate market and having two bidders, selling for more than we listed.
3) Finding the most beautiful home in Noblesville. Like I did with our AZ home, walked right in and fell in love. We were competing with another buyer who offered more and they accepted our offer instead. Amazing!
4) Being welcomed and embraced by our new church family at Grace Community Church.
5) Being reunited with old friends from San Diego, the Odegaards.
6) Enjoying a beautiful swan in the pond in my backyard.
7) Having a nature trail right across the street.
8) Snow.
9) Thermals.
10) Good Health.
11) Family.
12) Celebrating 8 years of marriage to my soul mate.
13) My precious son Caleb who brings so much joy to my heart, I had to try and create another! Which we did learn this year will be born around June 19, 2010.
14) My lovable fur ball of a dog, Speedy who survived cancer this year.
15) My BFF Julie, whom I've known now for nearly 25 years. Our friendship is a true gift and blessing. I have never found another like her.
16) Knowing the joy of the Lord. Trusting in Him always to care for me no matter the circumstance.
17) Carmel Sea Salt Bark from Cost Plus.
18) Being called Momma.
19) Fall leaves.
20) Snow in Tubby