Look Out
Not only was I totally cranky this weekend, it was a busy weekend that wiped out the kids, making them cranky too. I so hate it when we do not mesh well together. It was almost all me too. I was off, so there was more whining, more crying, more being at odds.
I think I was burnt out. Last week was truly crazy busy, more so than I can handle I guess. Friday was suppose to be the relax, veg out, catch up day however we went to see the doctor instead.
I need to be ok at being still. Just because Ethan excels outside does not mean I cannot find ways to creatively stimulate him indoors. It has been easy to have him tag along, but he is becoming his own person, deserving that one to one activity time. It is very challenging living in an apartment with children. I like challenges. I just need to think creatively.
The children share their room, leaving an extra room we use as a playroom (it is not a traditional room, it is a “den” off the dining room). Eventually, Ethan will need to move up to a bed from his crib. We had great success with Becca, making that transition early, when she was about 16 months she started to sleep on her bed for naps then she made the decision to sleep in a bed from 17 months on. I was talking with another mom, stating how we liked to go through these milestones a little earlier than most, she too liked to move her kids to beds early.
Exploring
So I was inspired. J & I had decided that we wanted to get Becca a loft bed to save room. I started looking at used bunk beds and lofts, but everyone seemed to want a lot of money for used beds. I did not actually intend on purchasing a new loft bed, but there was a sale and my dear sweet problem solver of a husband just wanted to take of it.
Becca loves her loft bed. Sleeping in a “Tree house” is totally cool. What I did not expect is the pure envy that Ethan has. He so desires to be just like Becca. Being three years younger he is constantly frustrated. Top that with two molars breaking through his itty bitty gums and he is beside himself with frustrations and crankiness.
- Becca enjoying her new bed
We were all hanging out in their room reading stories and playing when at 10 am Ethan nursed then fell fast asleep, on the BIG BED. I figured since he does not normally nap in the morning, I would let him be and he would wake early, still needing an afternoon nap.
Ethan slept for over three hours.
In a big bed.
With the door open.
My kids are so cool.
- Ethan napping with Skippyjon on his big boy bed
I do not expect Ethan to make the full transition to a big bed anytime soon. Yet there is so much joy in knowing he is up for a challenge, capable of handling change.
July 21st, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Wow! Good for him. So glad for you too! I’m imagining it’s nice to have a good sleeper :-). I, one the other hand am a great sleeper. I have been so tired lately. To the point of having made a Dr.’s appt. They can fix that, right?
Hollys last blog post..Outdoor Hour #1
July 21st, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Yikes - I hope my hubby doesn’t see this post! He has been trying to talk me into getting Julia a loft bed for her 4th birthday (September). Until I read your post, I so thought it was a totally bad idea. But? Well, I think it is super cool that your Becca gets to sleep in a “treehouse”!
Thanks for opening my mind a little bit. Do you worry about her falling out? Her friends jumping off? Hehehe… I guess I’m neurotic like that?!
maggies last blog post..CheeseHead
July 21st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
We are trying to figure out when and how to transition. Good to hear. Thank you
Pecos Blues last blog post..Fine Feathers in your Backyard
July 21st, 2008 at 6:50 pm
It IS hard when you are off and the kids sense it.
That bed is phenomenal. I love it. I’ve always wanted one of those for myself…but never had anyone to share it with.
And Yay little man for testing out the waters in the big boy bed…Rock on E.
The Laundresss last blog post..‘Create’ by Fa
July 21st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
That bed looks like a ton of fun.
Wow a three-hour nap? That’s unheard of at our house (even back when they took naps).
Heathers last blog post..She did it again
July 21st, 2008 at 9:43 pm
The DESPERATE jealousy of younger siblings is just heart-rending, isn’t it? I always feel so sad that they’re so unhappy being babies.
Look at your big boy, sleeping in a bed! Aw.
Rebeccas last blog post..And what colour is my bedroom?
July 21st, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Awww - that’s so cute! So what did you and Becca do during your 3 hr one on one time?
July 21st, 2008 at 11:11 pm
We haven’t tried to move Lance out of his crib yet, but I’d like to try!
By the way, I *love* that you used the words ‘egad’ and ‘eeps’ in your recent comments on my blog! Thanks for the nice thoughts.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Hot damn your kids are cute! I can’t believe Becs is big enough to sleep up there. How did that happen?
Much More Than A Moms last blog post..Dear Bella - Six Months
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:37 am
It cracks me up how often I read your posts and we’re doing the same thing! Our kids are now in their massive bunk beds in their shared room. Olivia is absolutely loving being up the top and Theo was just so desperate to move from his cot to his “big Boy Bed”!! Yay for bunk beds! The extra space is fabulous.
Gails last blog post..Looking After Me ……
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:48 am
Awww, that’s so sweet! I moved mine to their beds early on, too. They never even balked at the transition!
Devilish Southern Belles last blog post..It’s hot as balls out there
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:39 am
The loft bed sounds great! We will have to either get bunks or a loft bed for our girls once Miss 1 is out of her cot. Our youngest son was in a big bed from around 8 months or so (with a safety sleep). I’ve had a few Drs visits lately with kids and doesn’t it just wear you out… hope you get a chance to put your feet up.
Paisley Jades last blog post..Date and Oat Bran Muffins
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
It is both sad and exciting when your child “grows up.”
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Looks like things perked up for you!!!! Isn’t it horrible when EVERYONE is cranky and it (usually) all comes down to you?!?!?
I feel your pain!!!
We too had Geordie in a bed quite early. Actually come to think of it Geordie was doing many things quite early. He was even riding a two wheeler before he was 4!!! Yes!! I’m bragging on that one!!!
Love the loft bed. That’s our plan for when we move ANYWHERE IN CANADA! When we will have to be creative with space. We just have to get creative in how we are going to tell ‘the MIL’ what we are going to do with my husbands old bed that she gave us for Geordie!
Helens last blog post..Sorry, I’m busy organizing and loving it!!!!
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:58 pm
When we finally got the bunk beds, one guy kept insisting the top bunk would be his. When it was assembled he got up there and panicked. His brother quietly took the top bunk. Now they switch off constantly, at times confusing my husband who is in which bed. I can tell by how they smell.
Congrats on the transitions. They do come fast don’t they?
Soccer Mom in Denials last blog post..Pam
July 27th, 2008 at 1:00 am
I remember how much I loved bunch beds when I was a kid. It’s not surprising that Becca loves her new loft bed and that Ethan wants to be like his big sister. That is so cool that he napped in his big boy bed! Hooray!
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