big girl bed

Yesterday afternoon the hubs and I took the side rail off of AK's crib and converted it into a toddler bed. We weren't sure if she was ready for such a transition just yet but I wanted to give it a try. I guess I let comparison get to me because all of my friends, who have children just a tad bit younger than AK, are all in toddler beds except for one friend (she has good reasons). Anyways, yeah, lastnight was the big night. I was really anxious about it because although my kid is laid back and all, she's a go getter and when she sees a fine opportunity she takes it. So I wasn't sure how it was all going to fly. We allowed her to play on her "new" bed for a while so that she could get used to the side being off and her new found freedom. While she gains freedom I will most likely lose the freedom of sleeping in past 9. I hope not though. Anyways, here are some pics of my little dare monkey.









So, after we played for a while it was time to get to business. We changed her diaper, brushed her teeth, spelled her name and then I very carefully and clearly explained to her that if she got off her bed she would get a spanking. It was so sweet because she was really looking at me and listening to what I was saying. A side note: another reason I wanted to switch her to a toddler bed is because I felt like it might increase her understanding and communication skills a bit. If that makes sense. ANYWAYS, here are some pics from that.








(^^^she hadn't gotten a spanking, I was just showing it to her to help get the point across^^^)

I was so nervous about how long of a night we were going to have. I just knew it was going to be one of those Supernanny episodes where the parents have to take the child back to bed over and over again. BUT to my delight, once I put her in bed, that's where she stayed. She cried for about three minutes or so but that was that. She actually went to sleep!!!



Weeellllll, she stayed in her bed, that is, until I found her like this at 6:30 this morning:



Awwwww! I guess snuggling with her dirty clothes, that I hadn't put in her basket yet, was more cozy than her bed. We'll never know.