Calling all Moms!

Ok, so I knew that going into the terrible two's could be difficult but I didn't prepare myself for the added switch from crib to big-girl bed in preparation for Kinzie's arrival. Emma loves her bed (as long as the mattress stays on the floor) but she doesn't like to sleep in it! Actually she probably does like the extra room; she just doesn't 1) want to take a nap anymore and 2) want to stay in her room now that she has freedom to get out of bed.

So mom's, what do I do?!! How do I make nap time easier. We made sure to keep the routine the same: 2-3 stories, 2 songs, kisses...but this is what the last three days looked like.

Day 1 Nap - Spent the 2.5 hour nap period continuously putting her back in her bed. We also tried laying down with her but she just wanted us to play with her.

Day 1 Bedtime - Same bedtime routine but then immediately laid down with her for 5 minutes until she wanted to play. Then we left her alone. Had to put back a few times but was asleep in 15 minutes.

Day 2 Nap - Same routine, still tried laying down with her, but then sat outside her locked door while she cried herself to sleep. It took 45 minutes of her playing with her toys and crying off and on until she put herself in her bed and put her blankets on her.

Day 2 Bedtime - Same routine, laid down with her until she feel asleep. It took 1 hour but she didn't try to get up or play; just wanted me to stay by her.

Day 3 Nap - Same routine, still tried laying down with her but ended up locking her door again. She cried herself to sleep in 20 minutes.

So, as I type it sounds like it might be getting better slowly but am I a bad mom for locking her door to keep her in. People suggested baby gates but she would just knock it down. I feel it is the same. Is it or am I cruel? Any other suggestions?

TIme Flie!

I can't believe how fast time goes bye while at the same time moves so slowly. I can't believe it's only been a week since we got home from Mesa. So much has happened. Our cute little town began it's 12 days of Christmas events and we attended the first night consisting of the light parade, the outdoor concert and the dreaded wait in line to see Santa. We also went to Show-Low last night for their light parade and finally put up our tree and decorations. We were going to put up lights outside but got hit with a really cold wind this weekend so we'll see.

anyway, my point is that just when life starts to get so hard or so busy or makes you so tired that you start to wonder when will I ever get time to myself again or time to sleep in past 7:30am, it is inevitably the same child who seems to drain your energy that also fills your sould with incredible light and love.

My little echo continually amazes me with the way she thinks and the things she says whether it is echoing my "oh shoot" in her cutest little voice or her ability to be so fascinated with one thing for so long....the lights on the tree or an airplane in the sky. My little 21 month old definitely stresses me out at times but when I stop to think how many more times she puts a smile on my face, I remember that it is all worth it....and then she spills the milk again and I start counting down until her little playmate arrives (Kinzie) all over again.