We have advanced to a big boy bed. And by that I mean that his railing is off on the side of his crib. The scary fact is that he can get out of bed anytime he wants. I thought this transition would not happen for a while, but it was a very spontaneous decision yesterday.
Previously, I had "pinned" all sorts of ways to help with the transition. All my "pins" were forgotten when I forgot to put a blanket/pillows or something up on the side so he wouldn't fall out of the bed. (2 feet off the ground). During his nap yesterday, I heard a "BOOM." I opened his door and all I saw were legs and Jack running toward his bed. I immediately shut the door quietly and ran back to the monitor. I think he was embarrassed because he got back in bed and "acted" like he was asleep. I thought it was hilarious. No harm was done.
Tonight, I have a blanket rolled up down the length of his bed (under his sheet) and pillows on the floor. We said prayers and talked for a moment. I could tell in his eyes that he enjoyed this quiet moment with me while he was laying on his little toddler pillow and holding his blanket. He thought about getting up, but then sweetly snuggled down in his bed and went to sleep.
I really think one reason why he is okay with this spontaneous change was that he helped me unscrew the screws and pull the railing off the bed. BeBe (Ben's mom) and I talked with him about how it was his big boy bed. We let him get in and out of the bed and praised him for being a big boy. He was a part of the transition. He examined the railing leaning up against the wall and then looked at his bed. It was a surreal moment. I hope this willingness to sleep in his bed continues. If not, I will find him snuggled under his fort (table) with his stuffed animals in the morning. And, that is okay too. Every boy needs a fort to sleep in.
