Operation Sleep

When I was pregnant, we bought a convertible crib which transforms to a day bed and finally to a twin bed. This was way before we knew who Elijah was and certainly before we knew that he would have special needs. Once we realized that he desired a different sleeping arrangement, we toyed with the idea of getting him something different -something closer to the ground and something that would have railings - but decided to give the day bed we have already a try. He was doing pretty good just with his mattress on the floor, so two weekends ago we decided to transfer Elijah from his mattress on the floor to his day bed.

Despite the post prior to this one, I am happy that we made the decision to forge ahead with this transition to a big boy bed. After all, Elijah wasn't really sleeping through the night before we made the switch. Best of all, Elijah seems happier about sleep. He beams when he gets in his bed and he seems to be proud of himself. He didn't like being boxed in his crib and would cry every night when we put him to bed. Now, he seems to like knowing that he can get out of bed if he wants. Of course, the new challenge is teaching him to stay in bed all night long.

I know it takes time and training for any kid to sleep in a bed, not just those with special needs. I know that little ones sometimes fall out of bed when they're learning and we've set up pillows as a precaution. We worry, of course, that he'll hurt himself. I'm not so much worried that he'll roll off of the bed (because of those pillows), but that he'll fall from a standing/jumping position. But, I have to ask myself... is this any different than any other parent making this transition? Perhaps in some ways, but I think it's mostly the same. Elijah is highly mobile, desires to be independent, and knows how to get down from his bed safely. So, we'll make his bed as safe as possible and try to teach him how to sleep in a little boy bed. We think he's ready and he deserves to be treated the same as we'd treat any other child, right? At least that's what I keep telling myself. That doesn't mean we're not afraid he'll hurt himself. We are afraid. But I don't want that fear to hold us back from giving him the opportunities to grow and develop, just as any other kid.

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He's a Big Boy

Elijah has been - how shall I put this - challenging lately.

It's kind of difficult to put our finger on what is wrong. We know Elijah is teething, but he has been for months. Two of his two year molars are poking through, but those suckers are taking forever. And to think there are two more to go. Sigh.

At the age of two our little man finally started to sleep through the night fairly consistently... and then it all changed. Teething, perhaps.

The thing is, though, that there are a lot of changes taking place in Elijahland. There might be more to it than just some teeth. Little man seems to be trying to assert his independence in whatever ways be can. He seems to be having the typical two-year-old "me do" mentality. Problem is, he isn't able to tell us verbally what he wants - which is frustrating to all of us.

His receptive language, however, is coming along. He's showing us that he is indeed understanding some phrases that we say. For example, if I say it's time to eat, he will walk to the table (usually laughing as he goes).

And, diaper changes. Elijah has hated having his diaper changed for the longest time. I'd explain what was going to happen, lay him down and he'd absolutely freak out. We finally figured out that he didn't like to be laid down. He wanted to do it himself. We tell him that he needs his diaper changed and he very compliantly lays down on the floor to have it changed. He'll even lift up his bum sometimes to help out! I know it might not sound like much, but to us...it's a big deal. Not only does he understand, he has a preference to how his diaper is changed, and he wants to do it all by himself. He's a big boy and he's desperately trying to let us know.

Speaking of being a big boy, we're making the transition to a toddler/day bed. We've been thinking about this for awhile now, since Elijah's getting scarily tall for his crib. We turned his crib backwards (because the back of his crib is taller than the front), but then I needed a stool just to reach him! Not ideal. We've been apprehensive to make the change, wondering if he's ready developmentally. And guess what? Elijah seems to be sleeping better with just having his mattress on the floor (we're doing it this way first to make sure he doesn't take a big tumble out of bed). It's going to take some training to teach him how to stay in bed (and it would with any kid), but he seems to be so much happier. He's a big boy. He wants freedom and independence - just like any other two year old. And just like any other first time parents, we're trying to figure it all out. We'll get there.

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Two in Two

I can't believe that our little man is going to be TWO in just TWO days!

Looking back over these last two years, I'm filled with awe. Elijah has accomplished so much in just this past year. He's learned to crawl, walk, jump, gallop, and run. He's learned to wave and shake his head no. He has picked things up from the floor. It may not seem amazing to some, but many of you do know - these are not minor feats. He has learned so much.

Yes, Elijah still has a lot of work to do. There are words I long to hear, things I hope he will one day be able to see, items he will be able to pick up. At times, the delays cloud my ability to see the progress. But, as I look back on these past two years I am nothing but amazed at this little man. If this past year is any indication, I'd say who knows what Elijah will do in the next year. He has learned so much.

Elijah, my boy, the sky is the limit...when are you going to teach me to fly? I have learned so much.

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