The End of an Era!

I didn't know it, but tonight was the end of an Era.

For the first time (EVER!), my babies are asleep in their cribs. Well, their toddler beds. We just converted them today. There was lots of excitement when we showed them to Austin and Logan. We made a big deal out going night-night in them, and Evan even showed them "how" you sleep in it. So tonight at bedtime we just decided to go ahead and try to get them to sleep in their own beds, in their own room.

You see, Austin and Logan slept in a makeshift sleep area next to their foster parents. Then, on our extended pick-up trip (and at 4 different hotels), I either had them in the bed with me or in a twin bed next to ours.

So, when we came home, we put a twin mattress next to our bed for them. It started out with them sleeping "down there" until they started getting really scared in the middle of the night. Hence, ever since about mid-summer, we've all just been co-sleeping.

sigh

Until tonight. They're in their cribs. Poor Mommy. I miss them already. After not having them with me for so long, it sure was nice going to sleep and rubbing a soft, tiny little hand or foot. Or feeling one of them throw his arm or leg around me in the middle of the night. And when they cried or called out. I was right there. Instantly. No doubt, Gary and I both enjoyed meeting their needs - being there for them. Knowing that our presence gave them comfort.

sigh

Why the change? For them, really. It's time. They need to learn to fall asleep on their own, they need their own space.

We are fast approaching two years old. And we'll need to start potty training sometime. Which means we'll need to cut out the naptime and the nighttime bottles, too.

It's time to start "change."

At this point, I know my boys feel safe and secure. I know they feel loved. Bringing them home at 14 months old did present itself some different challenges. We did and have done what we considered best for our children. And we'll continue making good decisions that benefit and promote their healthy emotional well-being.

Letting go is hard.

sigh