She's a Big Girl Now (but not until Wednesday)

It is the end of an era. An end to babydom. My big girl is finally getting her well deserved Big Girl Bed!

Ray poses while E (with Chay's help) dismantles Ray's old bed

I must admit that I have been putting off the inevitable and the fact that my first born is growing up. I forced her to stay in a toddler bed for way too long. I know this. But it was my subconscious trying to keep her as my baby forever. Or, I was just too lazy to get her a new bed, take your pick.

However, for months we have had issues with Ray not sleeping in her (too small) bed at night. Inevitably, three to four nights a week I end up sleeping with her in the guest room because she is scared of a monster, Swiper or Ursula. IT HAS TO STOP.

Today, we set up her big girl bed and made such a huge deal about it. Ray is exstatic about, in her words, "my beautiful new cover with dots and flowers and -- ooh, look, there's a purple flower!" She has really embraced her big bed. She loves her new pillows, but she didn't quite grasp the sheet AND comforter concept.

When I asked her if she was going to sleep all night in her big girl bed by herself, she replied, "Not until Wednesday, Mommy. I'm not 4 yet."

Please note Tinkerbell and Ariel jammed in the corner

I really can't wait until Wednesday to get a good night sleep...

BFF

Tonight, I have been off – just cranky, moody, tired, and not feeling altogether well – the only thing that’s made me happy has been lounging in my favorite PJs that consists of a black tank and lavender sweats. Ray picked up on my mood and was very concerned about me in a very cute lil’ momma way.

During our bedtime routine that consists of four – definitely not three – songs from the classical music CD, we had the following conversation:

Ray: Mommy, are we going to have a fun day tomorrow?

Me: That depends on what you mean by fun. You’ll have fun at school!

Ray: But you have to go to work? I don’t want you to go to work.

Me: I know, I don’t want to go to work either, but you have fun when you’re at school! When you are at school, you have all your friends. Can you tell me who your friends are?

Ray: Hmmmmm. There’s Wyatt, I like Wyatt. And, Kara, Emma, Jackson, and MacKenzie. And, and, and…I can’t remember my best friend’s name.

Me: You can’t remember your best friend’s name?

Ray: Nope, I can’t remember her name. But she wears black. I can’t remember my best friend’s name that wears black. Oh, wait, Mommy! I remember…..

It’s you!

I laughed. And, then I left the room and cried.

She's a Kid Now

I never pictured myself as the mother to a kid. Sure, when I was pregnant with them I could imagine being a mom to a baby. At their first birthday parties, I looked forward to the toddler years. But, I have never looked far enough into the future to actually imagine having a KID. A school aged kid -- never. A teenager? Not gonna happen.


So, when the seven year old neighbor girl rang our doorbell last night, I was not expecting the question that came next. Oh, no, I thought, what is she trying to sell? Do I have any cash to appease her? Or did Chay leave his toys in their yard again?


"Can Ray come out to play?"


Smack! That's me being hit in the face with reality.


Wait, what? Ray is old enough to go outside to play? Other kids want to play with her? Without me?


I didn't think the fact that Ray is no longer a toddler and is actually a kid now would hit me so hard. But it did. She's growing up. She's making friends. She's getting an identity that isn't all about me. And she's only 3 1/2. What is she going to be like at 6? What is it going to be like to be a mom of a school aged kid? How is school going to change her?


At least Chay is still a toddler -- its all about me and him. This time though, I will be a little more prepared when he starts to gain his independence.