3 out of 4

In parenting, I've always thought there are four big milestones that are tremendous to you and your child. They're hard. They're brutal. They're downright scary. Let me list them for you(although you might want to put on your rose-colored glasses if you're not there, yet):

1. Weaning from the boob or the bottle

2. Weaning from the pacifier

3. Transitioning out of the crib

4. Potty training

If you ask your fellow mommies and daddies about any of those four topics, there eyes will probably turn wide and they'll surely have a story to tell. They might even take off running if they haven't been there yet!

Here at L.M.C. we've already discussed weaning from the pacifier. I'm sure y'all remember how terrified I was of that particular ordeal. Charlie gave me an easy time when it came to weaning from the boob. At exactly one year old, he decided he'd had enough. He was already good with a cup so we never relied on bottles. I count my lucky stars for that. Potty training? Yeah, that's one where my eyes glaze over. He's nowhere near ready and the only time he'll sit on the potty is if he is promised a sticker(or ten). It's not a huge deal because he's only two. If he isn't showing more interest by three then I may have to enroll him in Mommy Potty Bootcamp. ;)

So that leaves one thing: Transitioning out of the crib. The Husband and I talked it over, and because he was getting a bonus, decided that we should go ahead and buy the 'big boy bed' while we actually had the extra funds lying around. I figured at some point we'd get around to setting it up, but it was so cute I just went ahead and did it! The part I roll my eyes at, is the part where I actually expected Charlie to sleep in his crib when there was a fun, big boy bed in his room, too. Oh yeah. That went over well. He screamed, he cried, he threw himself on the floor. Fine. I told him if he wanted to sleep in the big boy bed, that he had to stay in there, be still and quiet, and go to sleep. I walked out the door half chuckling to myself thinking that was never gonna happen. Boy did he surprise me! I don't think I've ever heard him be so quiet or lay so still. I checked the monitor and didn't see any movement at all. Finally, after an hour of him not moving, I decided he must be asleep. I poked my head in the door and sure enough, he was! I couldn't believe it!! So from that night on he has slept in the big boy bed. I took the crib down a couple of weeks ago, and while sad to see it go, relieved that we are now done with 3 out of 4.

Charlie's new big boy room. I wish I could paint the walls, but we rent. :(

So we do lots of colorful projects to add a little zing. ;)

I'm going to add a couple more pictures on that blank space.