I was in no rush. In fact, in the days of the early "Bedtime Battles," I read the books of pretty much every sleep expert. Their philosophies varied widely, but they all seemed to agree that 3 was the age to transition to "Big Kid Beds." I was more than happy to follow their advice and wait. But then potty training started to become a more tangible reality, and I felt like they should be able to freely move out of bed to go to the potty. So we scheduled the switch. And then they got sick. And then we traveled. And then they got sick again. And I was secretly ok with them staying in their cribs. Until I caught Ryan trying to climb out. We made the switch the next night.
I did it exactly as I planned - we made a big deal about special "Big Kid Blankets" (handmade by Aunt Mindy & saved for this special day) to go with "Big Kid Beds," we moved their dresser out & secured the bookshelf to the wall (they are climbers after all), and we had a discussion about the rules of big kid beds (we don't climb out to play once we have laid down to sleep, we don't get up until the clock says 7:00 in the morning, etc.). I did not plan on crying when I left the room. But I turned around to say one last "I love you," and they looked so old. All that is left of their baby days are diapers (which I will actually be happy to say goodbye to!), and each milestone is so bittersweet.
In their beds with their blankets. Yes, they are eating crackers. They pretty much want to do all daily activities in their beds...
So far, the transition has been so easy that they have me almost convinced they are part angel. I'm assuming that it will be a couple of weeks from now, when the novelty has worn off, that we will have a hard time. Maybe not. They REALLY love their big kid beds and blankets! And I'm really proud of my big kids!
6 comments:
Awww! I can't believe how big they are. They are officially ahead of Alaina...she's still in the crib, but has been asking daily for a big girl bed. It is coming soon. I'm soooo happy that the transition has gone well for you. Love ya!
They are big kids now but still very little!! I'm so happy this went well but I remember when Lucas jumped over his crib and was walking around like the king of the world,playing with his toys when he was in a time out. I guess he showed me. But you know when it is time. I'm so glad they didn't have a hard time like Harper did. That made me so sad to think she would sleep on the floor or cry. She loves her big girl bed now. But we are losing our babies. Hudson is our only really baby and we can't even be around him, and he will be in his crib soon and out. But God has a perfect plan and we have to deal. Yay for Aunt Min's quilts. Nighty Nighty in your big beds little ones. Hugs from Nana & Poppy
I was on skype and it was a bitter sweet moment but they were so excited that you had to be right with them. You are doing a great job mom and I know each time a new step came to move mine from baby to big kid to teenage to adults had been bitter sweet but. I have always enjoyed each step. The twins have done so good. way to go twins. Gigi
Really glad to hear this is going well for you. Morgan is still perfectly content in her crib and doesn't even know the term "big kid bed" (so make sure the twins don't tell her, k?).
I'm so happy that there are other people who have their older children still in cribs! If it hadn't been for Ryan climbing, I would have happily kept them in their cribs :) But the transition has been great, so I'm thankful for that! Almost a week later, and they are still doing really well! And I promise not to let the twins tell Morgan anything about Big Kid Beds!
They are growing up. I can't wait to see them at Thanksgiving time!! And you, Kim. I miss you so much, but I treasure and think of all our times together! You are a very beautiful woman and were a precious girl!!!And as your Mom said, you are a great Mom! Your kids are blessed. I love you, Grandma
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