Big Boy Bed

Wednesday we made the transition from crib to toddler bed for CJ.

Here he is taking his last nap in the crib. Sniff, tear...my "baby" is growing up!! (Crib was surrounded by pillows, just in case he decided to climb out again!)

Here is the big old bruise on his left cheek from his crash landing/dismount from the crib exit.

JT and I had a hard time deciding what our next step for CJ would be after the crib, but ultimately a toddler bed was the best decision for our family right now (since we had to do something pretty quick!)

The first night we explained to CJ that this was his new "big boy bed" and he needed to stay in it until Mama or Dada came to get him. He was upset (scared of something different?), and got out a couple of times crying at his door. We went back in and put him back in the bed and comforted him. He did better than I thought he would, and cried himself to sleep after about 10 minutes. Here he is sleeping the first night in his toddler bed! :)

The next morning he did so great and STAYED in the bed until I came in his room to get him. (And, unbelievably he has done this every morning and after every nap!!!) He turned on his aquarium (that he also had in his crib), watched his fish/listened to the music and read his books. Here he is asking me "Mater? Where did he go?" Adorable.
A successful nap the next day too!!
Overall, hoping not to jinx the situation...I think we got pretty lucky. Our sweet CJ wants to stay in his bed like we tell him. It does seem to be taking him a little longer to fall asleep, but he is not upset at all. Just calmly self soothing by reading books and playing quietly!! One of my friends suggested putting a door lock on the inside of his door so he can't get out, which we did! I felt like it would give me peace of mind knowing that his room is ultra-baby proofed, so he would be safest there even if he got up in the middle of the night!