Inmates

Gracie and Tate's room is becoming much more prison than toddler haven these days.

When we first switched to toddler beds we quickly realized we would have to remove anything remotely entertaining or they would be up all night. As time wore on, we also removed things not intended to be entertaining, but were. Picture frames, stuffed animals, shoes, baby wipes, laundry hampers, hangers, bags of all kinds. Then escape plans were hatched and we had to start locking their cell room each night. You get the idea. When they are in a really wild mood, we have even taken away their beloved pillows and blankets in hopes that they will see we are serious about this bed time business and lie down (then of course we give their blankies back if they promise to stay quiet). A few weeks ago, we were so frustrated we even stripped their sheets and they were sitting on those plastic mattress covers with literally nothing to play with. That's when I first felt like they were our little inmates being stripped of their beds and worldly comforts. But as I imagine might be the case in prison, if you're cell mate is fun, you will find something to do.

Last night they learned a new feature of the room to be exploited. Their light switch. A non-issue due to the height requirement, has now come into play since Gracie has grown an inch. (I knew we shouldn't have kept giving her milk and veggies). So last night was a battle of who will have the last word: light on, toddlers laugh and play, enter mom and/or dad, light off, lecture. Repeat.

Fortunately, I am a crafty and resourceful warden. After about 10 or so cycles I remember a fellow MoM saying she had to remove her twins' light bulbs to get them to leave it alone and sleep. Victory! Daddy and I went into their room smugly and he removed them. Gracie actually grinned, like she was tickled we figured out a way to match her. She never even tried the switch again. Just sat there and they sang a few songs (prison blues?) until they gave into sleep.

Just another reminder that in raising children we can't get comfortable for a second. That's when they'll use a plastic spoon to tunnel out into the neighborhood at night. ;)