Monday, March 23, 2009

Breach!

All good things must come to an end. We had a good 30 month run, but our first line of defense has fallen. Elizabeth is now 40 months old. She slept in our room, in the co-sleeper, for the first ten months before transitioning to her room and the crib. She's never been a physically adventurous child and has been very content to be in her crib. Maybe two months or so ago she learned to climb in, but the drop to the floor has been a strong deterrent.

It's a new day.

She's clever. There's a rocking chair in her room, right next to the crib. A few weeks ago she realized she could move the chair to be next to the crib and we knew she was contemplating using the chair for her exit strategy.

We've finally achieved the right mixture of height (long enough legs), bravery, and motivation. Saturday morning she called for us to come get her, but as usual we did not respond right away, which can sometimes lead to a bit more sleep. All was quiet until we heard the pad of little feet into our room, a giggle, and "surprise!"

And again this morning. She's really quite pleased with herself. Time to figure out the room/bed switch, which we've been putting off. There are complexities - which I may document on AwwwClutter. Namely, the friggin' spare room is also Susan's spare room, with my stuff in the closet, the bookcase, the armoire, the trunk.....you get the picture. Add to that adult style furniture of dark wood, red toile valances that let morning sun stream brightly in, a bed up on risers (for underbed storage!), and we have a kid-unfriendly room to makeover. At least the pale yellow paint should be ok.

You cannot contain me!

- Susan

5 comments:

EileenD91 said...

I am dreading the day... I do have some hope, since you made it 3+ years before Elizabeth went over the side.

Ryaanne said...

Love the picture. When we transitioned David to his big bed he loved it so much he wanted to go to sleep at 6:00 and he slept through the night the first night. I will be sending you good vibes. Good luck!

The Lowe said...

Can you take off just one side of the crib for now and give yourselves time to get a room ready? It doesn't keep her in bed but it might save a tumble from a rocker.

Mom said...

Well, you knew it was going to happen sooner or later. You are lucky that it lasted as long as it did and that she was not injured making her "escape." Mom

AwwwTrouble said...

Umm, well.......we are probably very bad parents indeed, but it soooo pleases her to climb out of the crib we've left the chair in place. I watched her do it - she definitely waited til she was entirely secure before pulling it off, so there's no teetering or hesitancy at all. But we're working on the move. Sort of. In our spare time. Whenever that is.