January 29th, 2010
The Last Time
Baby firsts are marked with fanfare and photos, joy and excitement. But the last time? It sneaks away on you. The last time your baby crawled instead of walking, the last time your baby said a word in that cute little baby way, before learning to say it “right”. The last time he slept in his crib.
Two days ago I mentioned to my husband that I wanted him to set up the toddler bed for our 2yo. I didn’t know if he was ready for it, but I wanted to introduce it to him. My husband misunderstood what I wanted and not only set up the toddler bed, but also took apart the crib. The crib that has been the bed for all three of my children in their infancies. The crib I have leaned into so many nights, to pat a back gently or to beg a baby to please, please, please go back to sleep. The crib my mom bought for us when we just half-way through our first pregnancy, and we set up with such anticipation. The crib we no longer need, and cannot even give away, as it is a drop side rail crib, no longer considered particularly safe.
I thought it would be exciting to move my baby up to a big boy bed, but I find myself tearing up as I realize the baby days are truly over in my house. Well, you know, other than that my “big” boy at 2 years old still is addicted to his soother AND still has a bedtime bottle AND still wakes regularly at night! And don’t get me wrong, I have no desire to have another baby, I am more than happy not to start fresh with all that comes with newborns. It’s just a little bittersweet watching all of my babies growing up so quickly on me – just like everyone told me they would.
Well, let’s mark the end of crib days with a picture shall we? Bye, bye crib, you served us well.
Little Boy In The Crib
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I hear everything that you are saying. Baby boy is only 20 months–or something like that–and we moved him into a full-size bed. With two kid bedrooms and three boys we wanted to swap our oldest from sharing a room with his 2 year old brother to having his own personal space. So the “baby” is in a bed across from the middle boy. Two boys under three in beds. It amazes me, actually. And, to keep the stream of details going (sorry), middle boy was kicked out of the crib early too so that baby boy could have it.
The crib is still officially up in the biggest boy’s bedroom. I haven’t taken the time to take it down. I haven’t taken the time because do I really WANT to take it down? It will go in the attic and I don’t think I will ever, ever part with it. It’s beautiful and it’s mine and I do hope to hand it down to my grandchildren some day. A(nd oh my goodness I can’t believe I just mentioned my GRANDchildren. That’s kind of sickening.) Also? I don’t want to be done having babies but I fear greatly that I am. Sigh.
Anyway…all I really should have commented was “I get it!” Because really? I do. I do so totally get it.
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Oh I love all the details and sharing with someone who gets it! I think it’s that little bit easier for someone like me who wants to be done with having babies at least! Thanks for dropping by Sarah!
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