Transitions

Oy. The bedtime trauma continues. Yes, we have a chair next to the bed, and we put him in the bed repeatedly. This process became a near never-ending loop both Saturday and Sunday nights. I do not look forward to the drill tonight. I have 2 sleep books on hold at the library -- unfortunately I may fall asleep before I can get there to pick them up.

It just so happens that the move from crib to bed is happening at the same time as the job searches. Yes, plural. Because there is not just 1 of us in this house conducting a job search right now.

So far, my hubby is the one who's had the most promising interview. (He's the only one who's had interviews, period!) It was promising in that the job would be a wonderful match of talents and needs, and promising in that the hiring manager is very keen on hubby as a candidate. But no promises -- only promising. We'll know more over the next few weeks.

But, despite the lack of promises, we consider what this potential new job would mean. It would mean a move. Not a huge move, but nonetheless a move. Where you box up every book and tool and toy and piece of household, and sell house(s), and buy a different house. And move to a small city where you know no one, and find new doctors and friends and activities and such.

Oy.

I've lived in my locale for 19 years. I like it here very much. I have put down roots, and it is home. The thought of such a big change is sort of freaking me out. I feel connected here, and the thought of leaving and starting over somewhere else is sort of scary to me.  I'm pretty sure that this means I've entered the stage of life known as Old Fartdom.

So I'm realizing that the up-in-the-airness that fills the air here is, of course, the air that the little guy is breathing. It's an air of uncertainty, colored with some anxiety. And so he does not want to say goodnight to Mommy or Daddy at night. Just my motherly theory. But they're in-tune that way, those little dickenses.

After the bedtime showdown, which ended around 9:30 last night (for a 7:30/8 bedtime), hubby and I met up at the kitchen counter, where we self-medicated with a half gallon of ice cream.

And some day I'll look back on this post in the archives and say "oh remember that? Funny how it all worked out."  And that thought is the closest I can come to a crystal ball right now.

Comments

[Jody]

We moved Brenna to her toddler bed at about 15 months old. We alternated, tb for naps, crib at night, until she was used to her tb. It took less than a week.

I wish you luck. He's got a mind of his own now and can probably open doors and stuff... which Brenna couldn't do when we made the switch.

[Marie]

Hi Jody,
Oh yes. He opens doors, turns on lights, etc. He was very happy with his crib until one day when he fell asleep on the futon for his nap. That was it -- he wanted nothing more to do with the crib!

[caltechgirl]

dude, go rent Supernanny and follow her trick for crazy toddler bedtime. It works like a charm on TV.....

[Meredith]

You sound so calm! I wouldn't be writing. I'd be huddled in a corner. You impress me. I can't wait to see what unveils itself to you two!

[Marie]

Supernanny sounds good, CTG. I must watch...

Meredith, I am now overtired and on overload. Last night (after writing this) took the cake -- unbe-freakin-lievable. Bedtime was a 3 hour battle of wills, with each parent taking a shift.

[InterstellarLass]

I hope the promising turns out well! I've moved a lot, but in the same area. I'll bet a move like that would be scary, but it could also be exciting!

[kristi]

If all this was happening to me, I would have to be institutionalized. You seem to have it so together. But remember, friends are for venting, so call me anytime. Oh, and please don't move! :)

[jen(rocks)]

yikes. You may have quite a few interesting nights ahead of you! Good luck if the move goes through. It seems scary, but it might be just the perfect thing for all of you.
Good luck~

[Barbara]

Marie - I hope for the best possible outcome for the job searches. Good luck getting your little one to sleep too.

[Lisa]

Bedtime stuff = hell for me here. I don't know where I went wrong, but it's just not fun here at all. One reason more why I want a house with 7 bedrooms so each child can have their own. Sharing bedrooms doesn't help bedtime at ALL. :)

About Batavia - isn't that crazy? We get the Batavia paper and that's pretty much all that has been in it the past couple of days. We are close to Batavia but the girls don't go to school there.

I hate moving. I wish you guys luck! Small cities can be good. Hey, at least you might have more choices of fast food restaurants! (See, I look at the weird positive things!)