Transitions

Lucy at 1 month old in her crib

I got all teary-eyed putting Lucy down for her nap today. If all goes as planned, this will probably be her last "night-night" in the crib... we're breaking out the toddler bed tonight. I don't know why this transition seems so significant to me, but it sure is. My computer screen is become blurry as I type... I didn't feel anywhere near this level of sadness when Lucy stopped nursing or when putting away her clothes that she'd grown out of. There must be hormones involved.

Why transition to the toddler bed now, you ask?

The window of between now and Patrick's arrival has suddenly become very narrow. (When did that happen?) We're about five weeks out from my due date, and (I think) I've finally found that motivation to make good on the many preparations we need to make before he comes. One of the most significant of these plans is to potty train Lucy. And, I would really hate for Lucy to wake up from a nap with no diaper and be unable to access the potty. ;)

Lucy in crib today at naptime

 Also, you know, Patrick needs a bed. 

(Train of thought... anyone out there have a bassinet we could borrow for 3 or 4 weeks after Patrick is born?)

So tonight's plans include dismantling the crib (at least enough to fit it through the doorways) and moving it to Patrick's room, and building the toddler bed for Lucy. I have no clue what to expect. She's always been so good about going to bed... but will she stay there once she can get up? Will she get up in the middle of the night while we're sleeping and get into trouble? So many things to worry about...

Toddler bed waiting to be built

Speaking of potty training, I'm gearing up for the big "training day," probably happening sometime next week, or after Lucy gets accustomed to her new bed. We're going to try a program called "Toilet Training in Less than a Day." Yes, folks, less than a day. Apparently, the average child Lucy's age takes 4-6 hours, and it's DONE. Of course, you do nothing except talk about potty for those 6 hours, but hey... it's worth it if you don't have to spend months potty training. My mom raves about this training approach (it's been around that long... she used it with my sister and me successfully), so I at least know one person that it has worked for. Anyone else tried this approach? I'd love to hear your thoughts if you have.


So, there will be much to report on in the next few weeks, as we transition Lucy through some big girl steps in her little life, and as we get the new nursery set up for Patrick's arrival. I'll keep you posted (pun intended). :)


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For those interested in learning more about the potty training approach, you can purchase the book "Toilet Training in Less than a Day" on Amazon for $8, or I'd be happy to let you borrow it when we're through (although I'll want it back to use in the future with Patrick if it works!).

Essentially, you spend the first hour or so having your child teach a doll all the steps of using the potty, and then you move on to having your child try it. And you throw nutrition out the window for the day and feed them lots of salty snacks and liquids... for obvious reasons. And you start by rewarding them for successfully completing each tiny step in the process, and by the end of the day, you're only handing out rewards (like M&M's or other candies) for having dry pants.