Growing up too fast

In preparation for the new arrival, we bought Jayden a "big boy" bed.  We skipped the toddler bed, because he loved his crib, and he's big enough that he'd grow out of the toddler bed in a matter of days.  When we talked to him, he really wanted a purple bed.  We convinced him it would be better to get a different color of bed and purple sheets.  Which also turned out to be a challenge, because there aren't many sheets that aren't  college-themed or princess-themed.  I finally  found a set - they're not my favorite but they're a good color of purple and that's what matters for now.

Goofing around on his new bed.

Jayden has adapted surprisingly well.  He was riveted when it arrived and was being put together.  We were almost late for swim class because he didn't want to leave before it was all done.  Luckily the guys were quick and finished just about when we needed to be out the door.  I had washed the sheets in preparation for the excitement, so I made the bed when we got home and Jayden was more than happy to sleep in it the very first night.  The cool thing is the bed has a guardrail, so we put it up against the wall and the guardrail on the other side  - so it feels a little more secure for him.

He hasn't wanted to go back to his crib at all and is so excited for the baby to sleep in his crib.  He even wanted the baby to sleep in his room with him (that is so not happening, by the way).  I was all worried about taking things away from him for the baby and instead he's excited to share with her.  Thank goodness.  This morning he was playing with his airplanes while we were getting ready and he said something about sharing his planes with Daddy.  I complimented him on his sharing and he looks at me, raises his shoulders, puts his arms out to the side, palms up and says "But Mom, if nobody shares, then nobody cares!"

Fast asleep in his new bed on the first night.

He's done a decent job of sleeping through the night, although the transitions over the past few weeks are always tough on him (and me).  And it doesn't get any easier, since Carmen just walked out the door to catch his redeye and won't be back for 11 days.  Happy Valentine's Day to me!  Jayden and I will have our own date, and honestly, Carmen and I have been together twelve years now (TWELVE!  So crazy) so Valentine's Day only matters so much.  But it's still a little sad.

Jayden is all excited about Valentine's Day.  Ever since Christmas I've been casually talking to him about how much fun it is to give gifts, not just get gifts.  We're not really there yet.  But since Gramma sent Valentine's gifts that arrived yesterday, we've been talking about presents.  I told him I have a present for him too, but that I need a present for me from him.  He said "no Mommy, I just like to get my own presents.  They're just for me."  So I explained I don't want his presents, but I want something from him to me.  I told him I wanted a picture of a heart.  So he decided he and Daddy needed to draw me a picture of a heart right away.  We got out his pens and paper and they sat at the table and drew me hearts.

I ended up with four pages, five hearts total.  Best. Gifts. Ever.  I'll have to figure out what I can do to save these, since these are the first real "present" Jayden has given me.  And each time he gave me a picture he'd give me the biggest hug too.  Seriously makes even his whining bearable.  :)

Happy almost Valentine's to everyone!  I actually really don't like this "holiday" all that much, which means I'm not good about sending cards/gifts.  But that doesn't mean I don't love you all.  If I can get it together I'll get something sent, but I'm not making any promises.