I have a mental checklist of what I want done before #3 is born. One of these items is moving Alyssa from her crib to a bed. So in a moment of motivation, Jer disassembled the crib and replaced it with Jayce's old firetruck toddler bed. He didn't want to splurge on something girly, so I insisted we get her some princess bedding. We officially hyped it up as her "Firetruck Princess Bed," and it worked. She loved it! The first week was a breeze, and I was so grateful for an easy transition. Now I'm regretting even entertaining the thought of moving her -- it's been a disaster.
With her new-found mobility, Alyssa will not nap. I miss her naps! She likes to sneak around and goof off instead. At night the battle continues, but she's so sleepy that she usually gives in without too much of a fight. When she wakes up around 3 a.m., instead of drifting back to sleep as usual, it's off to Mommy's and Daddy's bed. I'm so tired that I don't insist on returning her (I know . . . I should be stronger!). In an effort to get comfortable, she snuggles up and is constantly arranging her feet to be propped up by my belly. Needless to say, her movement doesn't lend itself to a sleep-filled night.
Sleep is my respite. It's the time of day when I know I won't feel nauseous. After dealing with toddlers and ickiness all day, I look forward to drifting off until morning. I must break the cycle! As adorable and sweet as my daughter is, I can't have her keeping me up all night. I have an upcoming arrival that will do that. :) I can't put Jer on Alyssa duty -- he has Jayce duty. And he, too, is sapped and needs his sleep.
Alyssa used to LOVE sleep . . . nap time included. She would literally skip off to her crib with a smile -- never crying or complaining. I had no idea a toddler bed would release the wakeful demon in her. She's sleep-deprived, I'm sleep-deprived -- we miss our former days. Please, please -- I need the energy to return her to her bed and deal with the possible cries. Where do I find it?
9 comments:
Put the crib back up for naps... keep both up until she transitions. Just an idea. You are doing a great job, dont be so hard on yourself. :)
Ok. I am keeping the crib tents on for all eternity.
Do you have a pack n play you could set up for naptime? If not- we've got like, five!
Giving them freedom is so hard! It always starts out great until they learn what can really happen when the get out of their bed. It seems to be fun for them but so annoying to us! Good luck Lisa - Alyssa will get there!
Put up a baby gate in her door way. That will slow her down! :-)If not up for tough love, eventually she will stop drifting into your room- the novelty will wear off... we are living proof. Good luck!!!
Lisa, I've been dying to read your blog. There...now keep posting! :)
I love it! A firetruck princess bed! She looks so happy about it! I have no words of advice. Both my boys gave up naps along with the big bed. So sad! And the middle of the night thing? We're still doing it with Tyler and he's been in his bed for a long time now. If Travis didn't carry him back to bed most night, Ty would still be there in the morning.
Thanks, guys! Great advice!
What about using a child door knob thingy on her bedroom door? That way she can't open the door at night to come and get you. We had this problem with KAitlyn when we moved her into a toddler bed- never napped. I'd just close her door and make her stay in her room for 2 hours. She could look through books or whatever as long as she was quiet.
I just did this also with the same intentions of the new arrival as rough as it is BE TOUGH i fought and fought with all my strength for a few weeks and now it's a breeze. Even though I may get some cries he knows mommy will bring me back anyway so I may as well lay down and sleep:) Good luck:)
Stick with the bed...give it one month and it will be better. I have done this four times...all in one room. My neighbors kept telling me it can be done...and it can.
Now for my words of encouragement...don't feel bad. If you ask me this is the second worst part of being a parent, preceded only by potty training!
Post a Comment