two years, four months, four weeks

Dear Zac,

I didn't write a second letter last week because we have been SO busy. So, I'll write the letter I would have written then, now.

My little creature of habit, it usually takes you weeks to adjust to any changes in your routine. A bedtime routine was something that we started with you pretty much from day one. And it worked for a long time. Dinner, Bath, Books with Daddy, nursing and to sleep. In the Fall, we replaced nursing at bedtime with Songs in the Chair with Mommy. About a month ago (or more), we started noticing that bedtime was just taking too long. Usually when I was home for bedtime (most nights), you would not go to bed without 3 books and about a dozen songs. I tried to limit the number of songs (to match the number of books), but then you would have a hard time falling asleep.

Last week we stopped doing songs in the chair cold turkey and switched thing up a bit. You still got your dinner. You still got your bath and your books with Daddy. Only now, you feed your fish and say good night to them and turn of your own light. Mommy and Daddy put you in your crib with some stuffed animals (who are waiting for you in your crib, already asleep - Elmo has an earlier bedtime), and Mommy hums Edelweiss (you won't let me sing the words and you like to hum along) and then we say good night. If you still need me there, I sing ABC's, Bah Bah Black Sheep and Twinkle Twinkle from the door. Generally, you go right to sleep.

The other day, I put you down for a nap (which is only slightly different than bedtime - only one book, hum Edelweiss and we say "see ya when you wake up!" and close the door), and when I close the door you did not go right to sleep. Instead, you finished the new routine - you said ABC's, Bah Bah Black Sheep and Twinkle Twinkle...and then you were quiet.

I'm so proud of you. I'm glad you like your crib and your new bedtime routines. I know it won't be long before you resist the crib and hop over the side. I know a toddler bed is in sight. You know it, too. I think this summer will be a good time for that transition. We'll be going to California without a porta-crib (at 35lbs and 3' tall, you're just too big!) for two weeks. You'll be sleeping on a mattress on the floor and when we get home, no more crib. Unless you want it. Which I doubt.

Have fun at school today - your first day back after a week and a half long break. I'm sure you'll have a blast and come home with lots of stories.

Love,
Mommy