Big Boy Bed

For his 2nd birthday, Nana and Grampy gave Jack a special present - a big boy bed!  We talked about big boy beds for several weeks in preparation for the exciting move and finally took the plunge on January 31.  Jack helped Stephen build the bed (actually he read stories with me while Stephen put it together) and then we put on the new "choo choo" sheets and moved over all his favorite friends.  Jack was very excited - luckily, we finished it just in time for nap.  The first weeks of naps in the big boy bed were hilarious.  We decided that we were not going to say "you need to stay in your bed"  - to Jack that would be an invitation to climb out!  So, I just wished him sweet dreams and closed the door behind me. (We had extensively jack-proofed the room first to make it safe.)  Immediately, Jack jumped out of his bed announcing loudly and repeatedly, "Came out!  Came out, mama!" I was cracking up outside the door but decided to go in only after he announced that he needed a new diaper.  When I came in he said again, "Came out Mama!" He was so sure he was going to get in "trouble".  I said, "Yes, I see.  I hope you decide to crawl in your cozy big boy bed when you get tired."  Upon my second departure he again jumped out of bed, "Came out AGAIN, Mama!"  He couldn't believe his freedom! And he was going to see just what it took to get me to come back up.  Over the next few days (weeks?), lights were turned on and off, music was turned on and off, drawers were emptied "big mess!  big pile!", bookshelves were cleared- but (almost) every day he eventually crawled into his bed and went to sleep.  I watched with great interest on our video monitor - my own reality tv.   It truly has been an adventure!  Some of my favorite highlights:

*Before I installed the door knob guard Jack opened his door every few seconds to see if I was still there. "Hi mama!"  "Hi mama!"  "Hi mama!"

*After I installed the door knob guard:  "Not working....having trouble....need help Mama!"

*"Poop on my finger!"  That one got me upstairs!

*After emptying the drawers, Jack walked under the camera semi-wearing two extra shirts.

*After the one wide-awake nap session, I commented that he didn't sleep.  Jack replied, "No.....adventures."

That about says it all.
Happily, Jack now plays or reads quietly for five or ten minutes and then settles in to sleep.