It's such an odd experience and one that takes the brain a while to comprehend when the child you put down a while ago to sleep is now standing in the room with you and you know you didn't get him out of his crib. Then, finally, you figure it out - HE CLIMBED OUT ON HIS OWN!!! Oakley climbed out of his crib once and never did it again, the long fall down terrified him. Eli never even tried. I'm sure Eli would still be happily sleeping in his crib if allowed. Asher has always loved his crib, too. He liked to wake up and play his Aquarium toy that plays soothing music and watch the fish "swimming" in the water. He'd look at a few books and also enjoy the view from his window. In fact, if I went in to get Asher and he still wanted some "crib time;" he would back into the corner of the crib, waving his hands in front of him, and say, "No! No! No!" That's when I knew he needed some more alone time and wasn't ready to be taken out of his crib. As of last Friday, Asher doesn't want ANY crib time, not even to sleep. A few months ago we were watching Rowdy while Grandpa and Grandma were on a trip. Asher did climb out of his crib a few times then and I immediately ordered a tent crib (also known as Baby Jail). But by the time the tent arrived, Rowdy was back at his home and Asher was staying in his crib. I, foolishly, returned the crib tent thinking Asher was only climbing out because he wanted to play with Rowdy. What I wouldn't have given to have that crib tent saved for the future day when Asher was escaping again! I was in denial!The only thing comparable to the last seven days is when you bring home a newborn from the hospital. Asher is up all night long, every two or three hours, and is up for the day at 4 or 5 in the morning. I am spending multiple hours a day trying to get Asher into his crib for any amount of sleep. There is nothing cute about a pair of eyes staring at you from a distance of 5 inches asking for "Ba-ba" (Yes, Asher is two and drinking a bottle. That's a whole other story.) multiple times a night. I've been completely obsessive about tracking the delivery of the new crib tent. As if checking on the computer every hour is going to get UPS to deliver that package to my house any faster. I know that there are many wonderful Christmas surprises that are being greatly anticipated by a plethora of recipients at this time of the year. But NONE can be more eagerly awaited than the "Tots in Mind - Original Cozy Crib Tent" arriving at 9430 Avanyu Drive.
As night number seven approached, desperation doesn't even describe my state of mind. Wonderful Grandma Fotheringham and Grandma Moore took the boys this afternoon so I could take a much-needed nap. So I was feeling a bit more rested to take on the night-time battle. My new idea to try was having Asher sleep in his portable crib. It seemed like the sides were higher and he might not be able to get out. Wrong. After all the work of hauling it in from the garage and getting it set up, he was out in less the 3 seconds. I just kept thinking if I could somehow make the sides of his crib higher. I then had a stroke of genius, divine intervention, whatever you want to call it- duct tape big blankets all around the top of the rail! I'm embarrassed to admit how often duct tape is involved in the solution to my life problems. I rounded up an armload of bulky blankets and let the tape fly! After getting a few secured, I realized the blankets weren't adding enough bulk. Plan B- pillows. After getting a few taped on, it was all I could do to hold back the giggles of excitement. I just knew it was going to work! Asher would once again be a prisoner of his crib and I would have a night of uninterrupted sleep. Trial Number One failed. I didn't put pillows on the one side of the crib that was close to the wall because I didn't think it was a large enough space for him to even fit between the wall and the crib. I'm surprised Asher didn't decapitate himself getting over the edge of the crib and down to the floor is such a tiny space. Never underestimate the desperation of a two-year-old seeking his freedom. After one escape, additional pillows added to the last side, I'm thrilled to report a night free from "ba-ba" requests and not seeing two beady eyes staring me down as I'm trying to sleep.
Although the duct-taped pillows have brought one night of sleep, I know it's a short-term solution and I'm WILLING that UPS truck to drive FASTER!
