Two bedtime related stories:
Tabby
I think I mentioned that we've been letting Tabby have some special “big girl” time playing in her room after we get her ready for bed. For 20-30 minutes her bedtime routine is done, we allow her to hang out in her room and quietly play with toys, read books, draw or work in her alphabet workbooks. It has been great for everyone. She gets some special privileges (which she has to earn through good behavior) and we still get to advance to the kid-free portion of our evening at about the same time.
Last night I put Ben down and then got her ready for bed and let her have her “big girl time.” Then I went for a run on the treadmill. About 30 minutes later, I went to check on her. She'd chosen to read books and had a fair few scattered on her floor by her bed. I told her to please pick them up and helped her get started and then told her to finish the job and go right to bed. I even turned down her lights and put on her music so she'd be all ready to go.
I went back to my room to run for another 10 minutes or so and figured I'd come follow up when I was done. To my surprise, all books were picked up and she was sound asleep in her bed. She didn't even stir when I gave her a kiss and told her how proud I was of her.
Ben
This past weekend we put Ben down for his nap. He either wasn't ready or was over-ready and was not a bit pleased with being left in his crib. Instantly, he bolted for the side and with the aid of the bumpers, started climbing out. He had his head and half his chest over the edge in a matter of seconds. Matt and I were both shocked.
Needless to say, we took the bumpers out. Now we're facing the big boy bed decision. I find myself completely NOT READY to put him in a real bed. Not only do I think we'll have BIG issues with him STAYING in the bed, but I am not really ready to give up the crib and the babyhood it symbolizes. He's only 18 months old! I thought sure he'd be in there a while longer. I'm not sure I can handle it so soon. Of course a broken bone would also be very hard to handle.
Are you opposed to a crib tent? Those have been successful for a few people I know. Maybe it was an isolated occurrence & he'll stay in there for a while.
We took her bumpers out a long time ago. Not for the climbing reasons, mainly because she wedges herself in the corners when she sleeps. But she's already putting the one leg over. I too, don't want to move her over yet. She's not ready (she'll be my wanderer), but mostly, *I* am not ready.
crib tent. We moved Jack to a toddler bed when he started crawling out and thus began a year and a half of hell. Keep him in the crib as long as possible!!
Some time before, I really needed to buy a house for my business but I didn't have enough money and could not purchase something. Thank heaven my brother adviced to get the business loans at trustworthy bank. Hence, I acted that and used to be happy with my financial loan.