Making the Switch from Crib to Toddler Bed

When is the right time to make the big switch from crib to toddler bed?

I insisted upon doing it now at 15 months old. I didn't have any real reason to switch other than being tired of having her in a crib. She is 25 pounds... not a lot, but maybe for a 15 month old, so she is fairly heavy. I am tired of lifting her in and out of the crib. I also want to be able to kiss her good night once she's laying down beneath the blankets. A crib makes this impossible... so I have only been kissing her finger that she holds out to me to kiss each night. (Cute huh?) So, while my reasons for moving to the toddler bed are minor, they were good enough to start thinking serious about it.

I asked my husband what he thought about the idea. He was extremely helpful...  He says, "What does the book say?" I'm thinking, "Are you kidding me? What book? Parenting is a step by step, follow the instructions book?" Yeah... my husband is hilarious.

I posted my thoughts of our new transition on Facebook... and only received negative feedback. Don't do it because of all the obvious reasons I have already thought about... :/ Mainly that she will be able to climb in and out of her bed as she pleases. Oh and I will regret it. I am thinking that this means I should keep her in a cage for the rest of her life. In which case, I'll stick to my own parenting style!

So after three nights and three nap times of sleeping toddler bed style, we've had our achievements and struggles. She went to bed perfectly the first two nights. She laid right down and fell asleep to her music and stars-on-the-ceiling night light. No fuss. No climbing out. Angel baby. Last night, however, we had a little difficulty. She climbed out of her bed after I laid her down for the first time (of many to come, i'm sure). I laid her down again and shut off all the lights in the house. She runs out of her room again. And one more time. The fourth time, I sat next to her bed for about 10 minutes and she fell right asleep.

My sister warns me that she might be doing good now but just wait until the terrible twos. We will find out what happens when the time comes. For now, I'm happy to be able to tuck her in better. :)

Main Problem with Baby Ear Piercings

As you may know, we debated a long time on whether or not to pierce our daughter's ears. We did end up getting them pierced when she was seven months old. Full story here. I wanted to update everyone on how it has been going since getting her ear's pierced. It's now been about eight months and I'm happy to say that I do not regret getting her ear's pierced! =) At first, I was worried because she has eczema and I didn't know how her ears would react to the metal earrings. I started with fairly expensive ($60) nickel free earrings in order to ensure her ears wouldn't get irritated by them. I cleaned her ears thoroughly two-three times each day for about six weeks. After that I cleaned them only a couple times during the week and eventually let them alone.

The main problem we have had with our baby's ear piercings is that the earrings keep getting lost! When her eczema gets bad, it tends to show up behind her ears and around her neckline. Her eczema makes her itch, which means sometimes she accidentally pulls out her earrings. Thankfully, she has never bled or got an infection from her piercings. During the past summer, she lost her earrings several times, once while camping. It is recommended that you keep the ear piercings in constantly until after one year has passed. So, of course, I was freaked out and needed to buy another pair ASAP even if it meant interrupting our camping trip. I didn't want her ear piercing to close up! I started buying the cheap earrings in packs of ten and had no problem at all with her skin. She doesn't pull at them at all. Thank goodness! I HIGHLY SUGGEST BUYING EXTRA PAIRS OF EARRINGS FOR YOUR BABY RIGHT AWAY!! This will save you time and stress! We have only lost four single earrings during the past eight months but it was always at the wrong time!

So for those of you wondering whether or not to pierce your baby's ears, I still say GO FOR IT! Just make sure you are responsible and clean their ears, and possibly buy backup earrings and keep them in your purse. =)

I never thought losing the earrings would be our biggest problem! Crazy.

A good tip for those ladies looking to get "free" earrings... Buy a pack of tiny studs for your baby with the bottom row being larger "hook" earrings OR the packs with large and small studs (like the pictures below)! I did it twice. Mommy & baby loves to share!!! You just tell your husband it's for the baby... ;)

Interview with Pregnant Woman at 17 Weeks (Amy)

I have an interview I did via email with Amy at 17 weeks pregnant. She and her husband, Tyler are expecting their first child sometime between February 22nd-28th of 2013. It's very exciting talking with a first time pregnant woman because many of the experiences are so similar to what I was feeling when I was pregnant with my daughter.

Amy & Tyler

How far along are you in your pregnancy? 17 weeks

What is your favorite part about being pregnant? Knowing that I am going to be a mother

What pregnancy symptoms could you do without? Nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and moodiness 

Do you know the sex of your child? Boy 

Do you have any names picked out? We had a hard time coming up with a name that we both agreed on. We finally decided but it is a secret except to close family. 

Have you started ‘nesting’ and decorating a nursery? I have done very little preparation for the baby. We have lots to buy and lots to do to fix up his room. 

Have you thought about taking a “babymoon” with your husband before the baby arrives? Yes. My husband and I are thinking about taking a random road trip one last time this weekend. We will see where we end up. 

Do you have a specific birth plan for your child? He will be born in the hospital. I have not given much more consideration except that I am not opposed to an epidural. I am horrified of the thought of a c-section so hopefully it does not come down to that. 

How do you plan to balance work and baby? Do you intend on going back to work as soon as possible or stay at home full time for awhile/permanently? I have to go back to work eventually but we are trying to save up enough money for me to take eight weeks (ideally) or at least four weeks off of work. 

How do you feel about becoming a mother? ARE YOU READY =) ? I am not ready to be a mother. I hope that I can give my son everything that he needs and be there in every way for him. I am horrified and honestly never saw myself being a mother, however, I would not take it back for anything. I will never be ready to be a mom, but I will do my very best.

I wish Amy and Tyler the best of luck on their new parenting adventure! :) I certainly have been forever changed in many wonderful ways by motherhood. I'm sure they both will experience multiple joys as well.

Congratulations!

Wordless Wednesday: Boots With The Fur

Miss A is 15 months today! Dang, she is getting BIG! =) And she is way more stylish than I could ever be.

Baby Boots With The Fur!!