Toddler Bed

I always thought toddler beds were such a waste of money - why not just purchase a twin mattress - you'll get a lot more use out of it. Besides where do you store a toddler bed and a crib frame when not in use. I know I don't have the space.

So what do I find myself purchasing over the weekend??? You guessed it - a toddler bed. I still believe all of those things, I just couldn't resist the look on Braden's face when we happen to come across a HANDY MANNY toddler bed. If you know my son, then you know he LOVES anything Handy Manny. Some people may say he too young for a toddler bed (2+), some may not. Guess we'll find out...... I even called his pediatrian to check about the use of a standard adult pillow. (In case you are wondering - the answer was - not until after he turns 3)

Darren and I coached Braden about the bed. We spent two hours as a family rearranging the boys room and setting it up. Braden was so excited until.......nap time. He went down pretty easily at first. We read books, tucked him in, provided him with a sippy cup full of milk and left the room. I quickly sat down on the couch -watching the video monitor like it was my favorite television show. He laid there drinking his milk and talking to himself quietly - and once his milk was done - a lightbulb went on in his head....he could get OUT of new bed, open his door and proceed down the stairs all on his own. In all of about 10 minutes we found ourselves face to face in the living room. Darren and I both spent about an hour with him in his room - trying every trick in the book to get him to sleep. Needless to say - Braden had no nap today. It actually worked in our favor -he was completely exhausted by bedtime and didn't really care where he slept. He (and Logan) were in bed 1/2 hour early.

I will be talking the video monitor to bed with me so that I can watch for activity during the night (Darren also put up a gate in the hallway that will allow him to access our bedroom - but nothing else)

With anything new there's an adjustment period - I am sure by the end of the week Braden will be just as happy to sleep in his Manny bed. Here are some pics I took today......

What we've been up to.....

Making cookies....do you think he used enough sprinkles??

After cookies......

Look at my belly.....

Jake and Logan hanging out.....

Braden trying on mommies new "under" wear......

The boys and I have had a great time over the past couple of weeks. We are finally getting into good routine and I think that Braden and Logan really enjoy being home with me. (and Jake too)
We spend a great deal of our time outside - taking walks to the park and playing the yard. When we aren't outside - you can find us playing with legos, trains, making cookies, painting or doing some other crafty activity. Here are some recent pics!!

Jake's Baptism

We traveled to Maryland this weekend for the baptism of our nephew/cousin - Jake. It was the first time that both the boys would be staying in a hotel. Fortunetely for Darren and I, they were so tired by the time we got there - they went to sleep with no trouble (and slept through the night - which they aren't even doing at home these days) We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Jody's parents house on Saturday followed by the church service and baptism on Sunday morning. Jake was a real "sport." He slept through almost all of the service only waking for the baptism. He greeted the members of the church with a smile. Braden and Logan handled the church service pretty well and were even invited up to the front to witness the baptism first hand - which was really special. Here are a couple of pics highlighting the weekend.

Does it really happen overnight?

I took one look at Logan this morning and thought to myself - when did that happen??? When did he become so "grown up" (for lack of a better word) He is "toddling" around now instead of crawling, his eating habits have surpassed Braden's, and he takes pride in mimicking anyone and everyone. Even his face seemed older to me today.....and even though I should be excited for these milestones, it makes me very sad. Where did the time go? I can't believe that he will be a year in just one month.......

Here are some recent photos of Logan that I took.....

Car Wash

We took advantage of the warm weather this weekend and washed our cars for the first time this year - and boy they needed it. It was also a first for Braden (Logan was napping) - he had a lot of fun. I didn't get a lot of great pics because my camera card was full after the first couple of shots.

Snow Day

Here's a couple of pics from our "snow day" yesterday. Braden was the only one who wanted to play outside......big surprise. I choose to stay by the front door. I plan to take the boys out this afternoon for some much needed exercise and fun!! Too bad we don't have a sled....