Saturday, Papa (my dad) and I took Naomi’s crib out and replaced it with a toddler bed. She turned 2 on Wednesday. Sigh. . . She’s getting to be so grown up. We introduced Naomi to the bed downstairs and she promptly fell in love with it. Her exclamations of “bed” were issued repeatedly as she sprawled herself across it. We carried it upstairs while being serenaded by Naomi’s pitiful heartbroken sobs (I had to first remove her from the bed before we could carry it - hence the heartbreak).
Bedtime seemed to come quickly (it always does on Saturday night with dinner, playtime, and bathtime!!). I methodically explained the bedtime regulations. Naomi’s long blinks did not quite cover the twinkles about being in a “big bed.” After singing, head rubs, and goodnight kisses, I left her room and closed the door amidst curiosity about how she’d handle this change.
Not too long later, I could hear the distinct rustles of a little person above me. Upon stealthily walking up the stairs I discovered Naomi was “obediently” in her bed. She was even laying down in bed, however, upon closer examination, I discovered she was draped over various alphabet blocks, books, stuffed animals, and other sundry items. She had the most serious look on her face when I entered. Not being confined to a crib has some new possibilities which she is now experiencing. Daddy carefully explains how Naomi needs to stay in bed.
Naomi is once again situated in bed (minus the toys etc.). I leave and close the door. Some time goes by and rustle, rustle. This time, I forgo the stealth tactic and leap up the stairs, flip the light on, and fling the door open (carefully of course). I find her just finishing a perfectly executed slide into “home plate” with two armfuls of assorted toys and companions clutched in her little hands.
This final time, Naomi now understands the seriousness and scope of all of daddy’s bedtime regulations. Now that we have covered all the variations of bedtime distractions she understands more serious consequences will now result in breaking the bedtime regulations (which I know she now understands perfectly well). All of the bedtime companions are now put back with Naomi’s help.
It’s been quiet for some time now. I carefully peer into her room. Naomi is motionless - she’s sleeping. What a doll - who is growing up so very, very fast.
Sunday morning arrives with Shannon and I discussing with wonder and amazement that we didn’t hear a “thud” of Naomi falling out of bed. We open Naomi’s door and find her obediently waiting in bed to be “released.” What a good girl! Bedtime is going pretty well. She hasn’t done any more toy “sorties” under cover of night and she waits to be released from bed each morning.
