Big Boy Beds

It was past time for Thane to move out of his crib and into a toddler bed. But before Thane could move into the infamous Big Blue Bear Bed, Bryce had to move out - and that meant he needed somewhere to move to. Now that we know we're having at least three boys, bunk beds seem the obvious answer.  Last week we finally found the bunk bed we've been looking for (thank you, Craigslist!) and bought new mattresses and got everything set up.  Bryce's transition was smooth.  He's on the bottom bunk and is quite proud of his big boy bed (the top bunk is empty).

Moving from the crib to the Big Blue Bear Bed is a rite of passage in our family.  Aubree was first (of course).

Bryce was the earliest to switch over and surprisingly easy.  I had no intention of putting him in the toddler bed because I didn't think he was old enough to handle staying in bed (he wasn't yet two).  So, when he asked, I told him, "no way!"  He was devastated, and I reluctantly agreed to let him try for two nights.  And he's been there ever since with no problems. 

I thought I might try a similar tactic with Thane. "You can sleep in the Big Blue Bear Bed," I explained, "but if you get out, you'll have to go back to your crib."  

Fail.

The first night he was in and out of the bed and the bedroom over and over.  "What a fun game!" he seemed to think.  Back to the crib he went.

The next night we tried again.  He bawled to be allowed to go back to the crib, but this time he at least stayed in bed.  Since then, though, he's taken all his naps and sleeps at night in his big boy bed.  He doesn't get out (I have to video monitor to make sure) and has adjusted remarkably well, especially given the inauspicious start (and considering how many adjustments the poor kid has had to make recently - and one more big one to come!).

Aubree is thrilled because, for the moment, she has a bedroom to herself (the crib is in her room and when the new baby is old enough, he'll move in with her).  Bryce and Thane are likewise in their own rooms for the time being.  Eventually they'll share, but this is working out right now (one of the benefits of having four bedrooms now).