The Tale of the Toddler Bed

When we were preparing to become parents, Jason and I read several chapters of the "must read" adoption books...but in the end, we decided to simply follow Bereket's lead from day to day. She would let us know what she needed.   And what she made very clear she didn't need was her crib.  It terrorized her to be in a room alone behind those wooden bars. So we listened to her cries, and our first big purchase as parents was a king-sized bed (which Jason had been lobbying for for years!).  Bereket got the reassurance she needed that the Mommy and Daddy she so desperately wanted were not going to disappear and leave her in the middle of the night, and we got some awesome cuddle bonding time that I will never regret.

But six months into her new life, Baby knows we're not going any where...and it is time....to introduce the Toddler Bed!  Jason modified her crib last Saturday and it was amazing how simply lowering the bed to her level and taking away some of  the bars made it into a fun, inviting place to be. She jumped right in with no encouragement and began to play with the pillows and stuffed animals she once threw across the room in despair. 

Holding up Mr. Monkey

Interesting Pillow

B's room after night #1!

Night #1 she made it three hours in there sleeping by herself. We are so proud of Bereket! Our little toddler in her own little bed!











One week into the this new adventure / experience, We've had three successful half-nights in the toddler bed and we couldn't be more pleased with how she's doing! And I must admit, we still love finding her with us in the morning! 

I am always the first one up, and it is so hard not to stay and cuddle with these two!