1 Out Of 10

Thanks for all of the comments on my last post regarding Natalia's transition to her big girl bed. It was nice to know that alot of what we have been trying has worked (eventually) for all of you. That gives us hope.

I think this has been such a challenge for us because we have been blessed with a really good sleeper up until this point. Perhaps Natalia's sleep needs are lessening, but I doubt that's the main reason she's only SLEPT in her room once since the change. I suspect that the removal of those crib rails has granted her freedom she's found very desirable...and her busy little self is finding it hard to practice self-control.

I have to keep reminding myself of the redemptive quality in her strong determination--for she will need that in life! We don't desire to break her of this, just channel it into obedience. This will truly serve her well in the end. Lord, help us be faithful...

We have had some success. She has been obedient and quietly looked at books or played with her stuffed animals for up to 1 1/2 hours without too much intervention a few days. But that still makes for a very tired child (and mama) since there was no shut-eye involved, so we're still not where we need to be. However, I am so thankful Pete has been around a bit during lunchtime this past week so we could tagteam.

I appreciated Briana's relayed advice from Laurie to camp out in the hallway during those "intense" days of reinforcement. Get comfortable. How true! After a day or two of heading downstairs and hearing her coming out of her room a minute later, I realized I needed to lay down my agenda for the next hour (or so) so that my heart was focused on loving, self-controlled discipline...not housework or a nap.

We usually shut her door at nighttime, so I admit that I didn't even think about using a baby gate. Not sure if downstairs noise would play a big part or not. She tends to get distracted VERY EASILY. And laying down with her has been problematic for the most part. We never brought her into bed with us even as a baby, and she is so used to sleeping by herself that if anyone else is in the room, that means it's playtime to her. Thus the poking of the face, stroking hair, and asking, "Mama, are you seeping?!" amidst much wiggling.

This has made for some interesting vacation experiences as you can imagine! We're considering putting her in her own little tent next to ours at the end of June when my Dad's extended family goes camping. Hopefully we'll be better adjusted to the big bed concept by then and can do a trial run in the tent here at home beforehand.

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On another note, we're now considering finding out the baby's gender. Not completely decided that I want to know, but Pete is pretty certain. It does appeal to my practical side. I'd certainly be hitting the garage sales this summer if I knew it was a boy.

We'll keep you all updated.