VICTORY IS MINE!!!

Last weekend we moved Maya into a toddler bed. We kept her in her crib for so long because she wasn't trying to climb out and, well, we weren't about to rock the boat. So at first she wanted to sleep in our bed, then asked to sleep on the couch, and then she was asking to sleep on the floor next to her crib. We finally realized that she was ready for a toddler bed.

Oh, and we were one step ahead of her! We were smart and bought a convertible crib! No need to bother with finding a toddler bed; it's already built in! So smart! So simple! So high off the ground! At the lowest setting, the bed came to Maya's waist, so we needed to get a safety rail. For the low price of $70 we could get a rail to make our convertible crib usable. Fantastic. We ended up just getting a toddler bed and saving some money.

Maya was a ball of excitement as Jason put her new bed together. As soon as the mattress was in place she jumped in and demanded that we leave so she could take her nap. Hey, no problem!! The last thing I want to do is stand in the way of your nap! By all means, nap away! But she didn't. And she has failed to take a nap for the past week. We've been able to get her to understand that she isn't supposed to get up until AFTER the sun wakes up and she even goes to bed pretty easily. But no naps. The twisted thing is that she will fall asleep in the car and stay asleep until 2 seconds after I have laid her down in her bed, only to wake up with an evil smile on her face declaring "No Mommy, I awake!" In my nap deprived state I've started to take this personally.

But HA! Yesterday as I tried, yet again, to put her down for a nap, I told her I would keep singing until she fell asleep. She was out within 3 songs. Who knew such a bad voice would pay off so big?

You're Getting Very Sleepy. . .

We've been facing some serious sleep issues with Maya lately. Basically, she doesn't want to go to sleep or stay asleep or let us leave her room so that she might have a chance at falling asleep. I feel stupid saying that we have tried to discuss this with her but, really, at this point she's too old to "cry it out" and too young to reason with but we had to try. Sometimes she does respond, saying that she knows it's time for bed and that she wants to be a good girl and go to sleep; then she wakes up crying at 2 a.m., refuses to go back to sleep and doesn't take a nap or anything until 8 that evening. That was an extreme case but she's been fighting sleep for the last few months.

Things have improved the last couple of nights *knock on wood, knock on wood* so I'm hoping that the 'sleep free' phase is over and this 33 month old is ready to consider sleeping through the night.

There must be a good reason for all of this, because I know that she comes from people who enjoy their sleep. Jason and I fantasize about sleeping in and I don't believe it's possible to nap for less than an hour. And we can't forget about Uncle Mo, when that boy falls asleep you don't know when you might see him next.

Should've Gone With The Chicken

I give Maya her lunch and get on the computer, when I realize she's been quiet for a while I look over and see this: This coming from the child who doesn't like to sleep unless it's in her crib or someone's arms. I had no idea what to do with her since she fell asleep with peanut butter and jelly on her hands and face and she freaks out when you even think about wiping off her hands. I eventually just picked her up to move her and allowed myself to be covered in pb&j. Sticky.

Still Waking Up

We have decided to start Maya in preschool in the fall. I was having a hard time really thinking of it as school since she will only be two and, really, what's the curriculum, playdough 101, intro to fingerpainting? Last week we took a tour and my opinion completely changed. I wish I could say it was the way they explained the importance of fingerpainting, as it strengthens their fine motor skills and prepares them for writing, that made me realize that this was more than just organized playtime. Honestly, I was sold as soon as I walked through the door and saw the line of little backpacks hanging right below the line of little jackets. It made me think of my preschool and I became so excited for Maya. As we waited, a line of 4 year olds walked behind their teacher with a finger over their lips. How cute is that? So on registration day I arrived at the school at 4 a.m. to wait in line with the other parents who were hoping their child would fill one of the 16 remaining spots. I was 6th in line. Oh, the things a parent will do to secure a few hours a week of alone time.

There is nothing like a baby's smile

After 3 weeks Maya is finally smiling and not because of gas! It's the most precious thing we have ever seen. As soon as I handed Maya to Jason she started smiling (somebody loves her daddy). It was pure luck that we were even able to get this picture, since her smiles don't last long and our camera has a very annoying delay. We were thrilled to see that we were finally able to catch her smile!

Lately our little angel has been demanding that I hold her for her naps. If I wait until I think she's sound asleep to put her in her bassinet then she wakes up ten minutes later, this is not fun when you have a screaming baby and still need to rinse the conditioner out of your hair. This past week she gave me one hour every day where I could either get my shower, clean the house or take a nap without her making a sound, so I've had a very tired and somewhat smelly week. Jason has definitely been a huge help, at 4am Saturday when Maya decided she was up for the day he took her so I could get some much needed sleep! Oh, and what did Nana say when I told her about the week I had? She laughed. Thanks Mom.