Friday, January 15, 2010

Goodbye Cribs, Hello Sleepless Nights!



Well, kind of. We've been crib-free for about a week and a half now. First, we put Sofie's crib mattress on the floor (as suggested by many of my fellow mommy friends). As expected, she slept very nicely in it and rarely got up until we came to get her. Then, we put Charlie's on the floor and got rid of both cribs. It was kind of a 'cold turkey' shift into big beds, even though they're still just sleeping on the same crib mattresses. Putting them on the floor is supposed to be the safest and yet still kind of familiar. Wouldn't you know, they still fell out, so we've surrounded them with pillows. At about 5 a.m. this morning I found Charlie sleeping on the floor, using his safety pillow as his own. He was fast asleep. I wondered how long he had been there.

We've also been hit this week with dreadful colds, so Charlie and Sofie have willingly crawled into their new beds and fallen asleep with little hassle. I think this has been a good thing, as yucky as we all feel! The sleepless nights, at least for me, have been the result of Charlie getting up in the middle of the night, feeling miserable, and wandering into the hallway calling my name. I guess that's the only downfall. Otherwise, we think the change was a good one so far. The next step will be twin mattresses on the floor, then bunk beds that separate and can be stacked once they're older or have their own rooms and want an extra bed for sleepovers. It was tough to say goodbye to the cribs, but yet another fun transition and reminder that parenthood is the greatest! Stay tuned for more updates about living crib-free!

Laura


Charlie's Bed


Sofie's Bed

Chris added another shelf for storage.


Our new 'clothesline' for hanging artwork and photos.

We've had to stay pretty organized with so many toys, books, and cds in one small room!


Sofie loves her new bed!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!

As usual, we've been plenty busy around our house. We had a wonderful holiday season full of time with family, relaxing, playing inside and out, and introducing Charlie and Sofie to many holiday traditions. They were so excited about Christmas this year. They were thrilled not only to receive gifts but also to help shop, wrap, and give gifts to loved ones and those in need. Now that Christmas is over, they are very confused. They are ready for Halloween again, and wonder when Christmas will come. We're trying to help them understand that it's just winter. For a long time, it will just be winter. Brrrr!! The cold weather has been a challenge as Charlie and Sofie can't wait to finally build a snowman! They understand that it's too cold and the snow is too fluffy, however. Some day soon, we tell them, we will build a big, fat snowman. For now, play dough will have to suffice. Please enjoy some photos of the last several weeks.

Chris and Sofie just hanging out.

A trip to the zoo was a nice break from chilly temps and cabin fever.


Sofie's new back pack (or "buck cup" as Charlie calls it).



Santa brought a doll house, train set, and backpacks for both Charlie and Sofie.


New bike helmets for rides in the bike trailer.

All dressed up on Christmas eve.


Daddy and Sofie enjoying some Chex mix made by uncle Matt and Auntie Amy.


Christmas at Gramma and Grampa Nelson's


Merry Christmas!!


Sofie loved the green Spritz cookies we made this year!


Charlie organizing gifts under the tree.



Sneaking M & Ms off of the gingerbread house.


One of our many Christmas crafts.


Playing in the fountain at the Crystal Court downtown.


Enjoying a cookie after seeing Santa downtown at Macy's


Charlie is up to his old tricks again.


Sofie was mesmerized by so many ornaments on the tree.


Goofing around, as usual!


Happy New Year and may 2010 be a year filled with peace, love, and happiness.