Toddler Bed: Take 1

We have some good friends who's 2 1/2 year old recently fell out of her crib and got bumped up. So when Sto found Pippa climbing halfway out of bed one morning, we sort of freaked out. Climbing is a very recent passion of hers. I blame it on the playground in the mall where she watches all the other kids climb and jump all over everything. She suddenly realized that she can do it, too, with complete disregard to my rattled nerves! So we were faced with a choice: convert the crib to a toddler bed?, or hope she doesn't continue these climbing adventures and fall on her head? It was a very tough question and I sat on fence all morning long. Then I decided that it was most likely going to be a rough adjustment no matter when we did it, so it might as well be now. I really didn't want to end up with a bloody nose, chipped teeth, or worse on my hands. So I broke out the conversion kit and allen wrench (What is up with those? Why can't they just use normal screws?!) and got to work.

I made sure Pippa helped me and was involved in the whole process. We talked about how exciting it was going to be for her to sleep in her 'big girl bed'. She looked slightly worried when I started taking her beloved crib apart but put on a brave face. And it was really exciting when it was done. She climbed right in and got under her special quilt with her bed toys. I was starting to have doubts when I was forced to teach her how to get out of it the right way and not by crawling over the safety rail (that would defeat the whole purpose now wouldn't it). I questioned whether I should really be teaching her how to get out at all, but knew she'd figure it out within 5 minutes anyway.

So here comes the first test: nap time. Sto was home by then and was able to put her down after she proudly showed it off to him. We hunkered down to watch some football and listen to her through the monitor. Would she climb out of bed?...duh, of course she would! Soon enough we heard bumping around and various toys being played with. Not sure how best to handle it, we decided let it go hoping she would just drift off. She did eventually go quiet for a while and sort of had bed-head when we went in to get her, though I seriously doubt she fell asleep in the bed.

Ok, not too bad for a first try. I'm hopeful! But now it's time for bed. Mind you, she was already a little over tired from getting to bed late the day before. And Pippa dearly likes her sleep. So when it was clear she was out of bed playing we went in to put her back to bed. First, Sto tried. Then I went in to lay down the law. Again, it was hard to know how to handle it and it's not surprising she was having a hard time adjusting, so I sat with her for a long time hoping she would fall asleep. But she can really keep herself awake when she wants to (and I was starving!) so I said good night. Soon, she was out of bed again so I decided to deal with it Super Nanny style. Very little talking and/or eye contact. After several attempts at this (and a good amount of crying) Sto said enough! (Good decision, honey) We went in together, allen wrench in hand, and converted the bed back to a crib. She was asleep within 5 minutes, poor kid. I guess it's just not time.

The good news is that because of the conversion we discovered we could still lower the mattress another couple of inches so she should be trapped in there for a while longer. Phew! Hopefully by the time she grows tall enough to climb out she really will be ready for a big girl bed...in, like, a year!

Finger Painting is Fun!

I made finger paint today for Pippa to play with. Any excuse to get all messy is always a good thing in my book. She caught right on! Here is the recipe I used. One thing I did find, though, is that it thickens up a little more when it cools so you don't need to cook it down too much. And it would have worked even better if I had that special finger painting paper. But I just used craft paper and it was still a hoot. 


1/2 c corn starch
3 T sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 c cold water
food coloring



In a medium pan, mix all the ingredients together to make the finger paint. Cook over low heat 10 to 15 minutes. Keep stirring the finger paint mixture until it is smooth and thick. After the finger paint has thickened take the pan off the stove and let the mixture cool.
After cooling, divide the finger paint into storage containers depending on how many colors you would like. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container. Stir the coloring in to the paint to determine the shade of color. You're ready to finger paint! Cover tightly when storing.

2 Month Holla'

Lincoln just had his 2 month pediatric appointment. Here are his my little piggy's stats:

Height: 22 1/2 inch, 25%
Weight: 13lbs 6 oz, 90%
Head Circ: 39 cms, 25%


I've been saying he's a good eater! Honestly, though, he doesn't look like the 90%. He looks like a perfect, chubby little baby. But he is a champion nurser. He nurses for less than 10 minutes on one breast and is done. I'm constantly doubting if he's eaten enough because he's so fast. Well, I guess I'll stop offering so much. Clearly he's getting plenty of milk.

He is finally starting to sleep a little longer at night, though it's still not consistent. He'll sleep for 5-8 hours for that first block of time and then 3-4 hours at a time after that.  I was a little worried that I might have a hard time getting both of my kids to go to bed around the same time of night, but Lincoln has worked that out for himself. He goes to bed between 5:30 and 6 every night. Actually, before 6 is a little too early so hopefully we can gently push that back a bit. It's all a work in progress. Naps are getting a little more regular, too. He's learning to put himself to sleep pretty quickly though, I wish he would figure out how to suck his thumb. I'm starting to thing it'll never happen. But I suppose that means he'll never have the habit to break so I shouldn't complain.

He smiling and cooing like crazy. Especially first thing in the morning. That toothless smile and those bright eyes are priceless. He is definitely a social little guy. He likes to be held and talked to. He also like being held facing out so he can see what's going on. And he's totally fascinated by his older sister. And she's just as fascinated by him. I can't wait for him to get a little older so they can start to actually play together. They are already such great friends, they are going to have a blast!