Thursday, June 19, 2008

What in the world is a mother to do....


Son Number Two is well, two. About a month ago the Husband and I put him in a Big Boy Bed. He was more than ready for it- he was able to climb out of his crib on the lowest setting. Number Two loved his Big Boy Bed! It took the normal three or four nights to get acquainted with it, but after that he was in toddler heaven.

Until now....

Now he refuses to stay in bed! Husband and I have a routine for him for bedtime, and a set bedtime. He gets a bath, some cuddle time, a book, some rocking in his fav-o chair, and then bed. With the radio on for white noise- remember the older brother?- and his ceiling fan on to keep him nice and cool. He has his Elmo and his blankie and all is well in the world.
(Totally NOT Number Two- thats because this baby is sleeping!)

For about 5 minutes. IF we're lucky. Now it takes the husband and I hours to get him to bed. Every single time we put him right back in. We're not messing around here. Many a times I have just parked it right there in the hallway to put him right back in to bed. And we do just that, put him right back in, no toys, no games, no giggling. BACK TO BED.

Eventually he falls asleep, only to awaken a few hours later, at which point we start all over again. And sure enough, every morning he is up and at em between 5 and 5:30. I don't particularly mind him getting up that early, as I am an early riser (USUALLY) but I need to get ready for work during this time, not continually put a tired toddler back in to bed over. and over. and over. Sometimes I will give him a sippy of milk, and sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. Other times he just cruises around the house tip toeing and sneaky, or he will turn the radio on, or sneak into his brothers room. Or check on the turtles that he adores. Or walk smack dab into a corner wall, which he did this morning. Its dangerous. Its endless. It needs to end. (Totally NOT Number Two either- but this is closer!)

This has been going on now for weeks. I am tired of sleeping in the hallway, sitting up against the wall. And the husband and I are getting a wee bit cranky.

We don't know what else to do! So I need your help moms.

What's your magic secret? (I won't tell anyone, cross my sleep deprived heart)
What worked for your toddler? Your neighbor's toddler?
What do I need to do?
Hellllllp me pleeeeeease!
Comment comment comment....


****UPDATE! Thanks for all the suggestion moms! Keep them coming! Last night number two only got up once, AND he stayed in bed until 5 after 6! *** We're getting there!