We made it a family affair. True helped break down his crib with his tools (he’s obsessed with his tools).
He then helped put together his new big boy bed with more tools. We didn’t focus so much on saying goodbye to his crib, but instead made a really big deal out of welcoming in the new big boy bed. There were lots of conversations, dance parties, blowing out candles, songs. All of that, plus involving him in the process of breaking down the crib and building the new bed seemed to do the trick, because the transition was seamless. Nothing but pure joy.
We were sure there might be some attempts of his getting out of his bed, but it’s been a few weeks now, and he’s yet to get out of bed! I think the nifty bed rail that holds some books is the trick – they entertain him without his having to get out. Also, perhaps because the new mattress is more cozy than his crib mattress, he sleeps much later than his usual 7am. Friends, it’s been a big change around here. No more being jolted awake by hearing “Papa! Mama! I’m awwaakkkee!” at 6:50am. He doesn’t even call out for us now. Instead, he has these really slow wake ups where he’s wakes up, then, just like his mama, he cozies back into the covers for a little longer, then back to awake around 7:45. We can hardly believe it!
Grandpa built this bed based off a photo I saw over on Pinterest of a really cool, simple bed made from pallets. We took it a step further and added drawers (awesome storage) and we also added a bed rail that holds books.
Grandpa also made him a big whale (securely screwed into the wall for safety) to go with his new bed. The whale was inspired by something similar in a Pottery Barn catalog. The painting next to the whale is a sailboat/ocean painting by Mati Rose.And just like that, he’s in a big boy bed. So bittersweet, our little guy is growing so fast. So fast, but my heart leaps for his joy and all the little ways he is becoming his own. Gosh, life is so cool. Thank you, Grandpa, for crafting a bed that will be in our family a long time!
PS: Our monthly Hip Hip Hooray Giveaway Party is coming up next week. It was a huge hit last month with nearly 1800 friends/commenters attending the virtual party and over 12K views. If you would like to sponsor the party with a giveaway, please get in touch asap and we’ll send you all the details! You can email us at sponsorships@kellyraeroberts.com
Hi, I'm Kelly Rae Roberts!
Before I picked up my first paintbrush at the age of 30, I was a medical social worker. I followed my whispers and started playing with paint and everything changed.
Now I’m a full-time artist, author and Possibilitarian, who helps women explore and nourish their creative souls.
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“. . . plus involving him in the process of breaking down the crib and building the new bed seemed to do the trick, because the transition was seamless.”—Very well done! It makes easier for little kids to adjust to their environment if you INVOLVE them with the change. Nevertheless, the new "big boy bed" is so fantastic; and it's multi-functional. Great job for this. Please keep posting and sharing your thoughts. PS: You have a very cute boy. 🙂
So precious, Kelly Rae.
Oh wow! I love that True was able to help out with breaking down the bed and put up the new one. I'm sure it ease any of his worries he may have had! And i LOVE the whale!
That is so cute! Love that is was a family affair. So glad True is happy with his new slumbers. That spot for the books is a great idea!
Sheets came from Pottery Barn kids and pillow was a Home Goods find! 🙂
Where did you get the cool sheets, and, especially, the fire truck pillow? My son is obsessed with fire trucks!
I just love this story. I especially love the way you encourage him on to the next adventure in life… with celebration! He will grow up feel so excited for whatever comes next. Aw man, what a gift. (I'm so glad I stumbled across this tonight. It so uplifted me. Thank you.)
O he is so big. so precious. Your blog and work lifts my heart!
~Kerry
So good!
I especially love the bed rail is actually a book shelf (total brilliance)!