Sunday, September 14, 2008

Opposite of Genius

What's the opposite of genius?!? My brilliant move from cribs to toddler beds on the very night that Scott left for Iraq...

The first night the girls were excited to be in their big girl beds and it took a while for them to get to sleep. By the second night they were tired so they fell asleep pretty quickly. However, that night Kate woke at midnight, got her sisters up, and then they didn't go back to sleep until 3:30am or so. I know because I was right there with them.

For the last two nights they've gotten to bed late and played even later, so at this point I think they are just way beyond tired. I put them in bed at 7pm, but it is pushing 9pm and they are still in there playing, running around, generally just fighting to stay awake.

Here's hoping they will go to sleep eventually... without breaking anything.

While the situation is tough on a mommy, I'm not soliciting suggestions just yet because there are a number of extraneous circumstances that could possibly be keeping my normally good sleepers from their task. First, the move to the big beds requires an adjustment. Add to that the fact that I did it at a time when household stress was running a little high; Scott left the morning of the same day that we made the change. Duh! Secondly, they have taken turns running fevers, at times quite high ones, with absolutely no other symptoms besides grouchy... which can be accounted for by the lack of sleep or the random virus that must have it's grip on our household. Finally, and this is a biggie, I feel parts of 2 year molars breaking through in each of their little mouths. Additionally, Sarah has her incisors coming in now too!

So, I guess I can "half full" this thing by assuming I've saved myself a few sleepless nights in the future by throwing all this yuck together.

They've got to sleep eventually, right?!?

11 comments:

Tara said...

yes, you said it. Sleep will come to those little ones and they can only fight it for so long but man sometimes kid's stamina is even mind blowing to us adults.

Dorinda said...

I'm sure they will catch on eventually - brave mommy for making the transfer - I am sooo far from ready :)

Praying you will figure it out soon. Can't wait to see how things go - pass on any tips you earn!

Mommato4miracles said...

Wishing and praying for a full nights sleep for all of you. And praying for your husband;s safety in Iraq. My brother spent 30months there, and we are so thankful to finally have him home.
When I switched my Sam (and I know it is just one LOL) to a big boy bed (he was 19mo) we gave him a book and told him to read it to his animals. That usually had him lying still for long enough that he would fall asleep.

Mandy said...

Wow. I've been thinking about transitioning sometime soon. Now I'm a little more cautious. I don't have advice for you, but I'll be checking back to see how your sleep situation goes, and will be happy to have YOUR advice when you're ready to give it!

I hope eveyone's feeling (and sleeping) better soon!

Cadi + 4 said...

I have lots of sympathy for you as I would be going crazy by now. It was bad enough with one going into a toddler bed and I am putting it off as long as I can. Is 10 years too long?

Brandi said...

I think we're on the verge of two year molars too, and it's no fun. She always wants ice, and she snatches it from our cups or straight from the fridge door when we're getting it out. That part is kinda funny actually.

Happy Home said...

i'll be reading and watching to see how the transition goes.

i am planning on switching my trio to toddler beds when we move next month. i really don't like our ugly crib tents and tying them in (they know how to unzip them now). i know a lot of people use them but not sure if they are right my trio. maybe some kids like them more than mine do.

but that said, i am a bit scared for the transition.

i wish you all the best, post tips when you get it all figured out.

3 Peas N A Pod said...

We moved our girls to toddler beds about a week ago. Things seemed to be going ok and then total chaos! Our girls go to bed at night without any problems, but naps are crazy. They are so tired that they are almost falling over and once they get in their room to take a nap it is like they immediately ingested a cup of sugar. I have tried numerous things, but nothing has worked so far. I will be anxious to hear what will work for you. With three little girls who have not taken a nap, my patience is tested. Good luck!!!

SarahHub said...

Oh, what rough nights!

I wish I had magic advice. Mine still doesn't sleep...

But yours will eventually! Praying for a good night's sleep for you!

The Amazing Trips said...

I don't know where they get the energy. They run hard all day and you'd THINK that at night they'd be tired, right?!

If and when you ever do going looking for advice, I would suggest splitting them up in different rooms just until they go to sleep - then moving them back in the same room. After several months of struggling with bed and nap time issues, I split the kids up and they are usually asleep within minutes of being put down. Then, I'll just merge them all together, again.

Prayers for your husband's safe return and for your sanity while he is away!! :)

Anonymous said...

When we moved the girls into twin beds ,they were a couple of months shy of their second birthday. Let me just tell you that from that point on naps were out the window. We did'n have a problem with them sleeping at night, but naps were done!!!! And for me I only had to deal with it on the weekends, so I wish you the best of luck!!!

Roslie