The Honeymoon's Over

Liesl transitioned into her big girl bed about 2 weeks ago. I bought the bedding and accessories months ago, washed them and stored them in her closet. She has been "ready" for a while, but Daddy and I have been dragging our feet for several reasons: 1) our little baby is growing up, and while we are thrilled that she is becoming such a fun little girl, I don't want to admit that the time has flown fast enough that she's ready to be out of her crib, and 2) I don't want her to get out of bed on her own.

Fear #2 has proven to be valid. After a week of being very obedient and staying in bed for naps and staying in bed in the morning if she wakes up before we do, she is deciding to test their boundaries. A lot. I have received countless tips and advice on keeping her in her bed (some of it welcome, some of it completely NOT), but the greatest tip I have received is that most kids do this. And to be consistent. I now see why so many parents give up and say, "Fine, do whatever you want" when their kids test them...being consistent is EXHAUSTING! We are committed to doing so, but again, I understand now why some parents just throw in the towel when it comes to discipline.

At first she would only get up on her bed with the step stool. I was pretty proud of myself for coming up with this idea, until, a week later, I noticed she had learned to get up on the bed with just a running start and a huge hop. Back to the drawing board. I guess we'll have to rely on good 'ole consistency, and the comforting thought that this is "normal" and that most parents go through it with their toddlers.

So, we've fired up the batteries on the baby monitor, and we now listen for the pitter-patter of tiny feet. It is going well--that is to say, normally--and we are thrilled with the strong, confident little girl that our baby is becoming.

(Not that I still don't shed a few tears, missing that tiny baby that was placed in my arms 2-1/2 years ago!)