Something new, Part I

There really is a toddler in there.

Look, Ma, no crib!

Girlie moved out of her crib three nights ago. Based on Boy 1's and Boy 2's crib move, we were hesitant. Boy 1 took months to adjust (not that he was willing to sleep before the "big bed" adventure, either.) Even Boy 2, who has slept through the night pretty consistently since he was two weeks old, took a few weeks to completely feel comfortable in a new spot.

Of course, the boys also moved into a different room at the same time they left their cribs, so I guess it was a lot more drastic change for them. Maybe that explains why Girlie is doing so much better with it thus far. She does get anxious if she sees us leave, but if we just stick around for the few minutes it takes her to fall asleep, she rests fairly solidly the rest of the night or nap. What a relief!

With the crib out of her room, a few other changes were in order. We moved a bunch of books around so the ones Girlie likes best are on the lowest shelves. We hope (fingers crossed!) this will mean if she wakes up early on a no-plans day, she'll amuse herself with her favorite books instead of wandering out and waking the rest of us up. Also, if any wandering should happen at night, I don't want her cracking her shins on the rocking chair in the dark like I keep doing. So this little change gradually added up to a bigger job. We moved five pieces of furniture total. But we're really pleased with the results! Not only does Girlie like the new arrangement, but...

The boys have two bookcases full of their favorites right in their own room now (ah, see the "wake up early" wish above). And although it never really bothered me before, I like the new openness of the hallway without this smaller bookcase parked out there.

And my favorite: We finally turned that odd, unused little alcove in the master bedroom into a reading nook, something I'd talked about doing off and on since we moved in nearly 12 years ago. So even if Girlie's new sleeping plan didn't stick, this still would have been progress.

We're not done yet...more room changes to come in the next week.