Elena of Mommy is in Timeout is my guest today. I had the pleasure of meeting Elena, her husband and two adorable sons last July when they rolled through Southern Cal. Our boys were busy going in three completely different directions, so it was challenging to have a complete conversation, but I liked her instantly and have always appreciated her humor, love of all things Detroit and endless support. Here she is with a letter moms everywhere can identify with. Sigh…
When Tonya asked me to participate in her Letters for You series, I wasn’t really sure who, or what, I would write to.
I could write the wounded neighborhood duck, who keeps trying to seek refuge in our front lawn, not knowing that she’s turning to a woman who is scared of every animal on the planet, including ducks.
I could write my boys and tell them all the simple things they do each day to tug on my heart strings.
I could write Moroccan Oil for being my hairs only savior on a steamy, frizzy-inducing summer day.
Then it dawned on me, as I sat on the floor outside Cooper’s room last night, watching him on the video monitor, yelling in to him every single time he scaled the walls of his crib and tried to flee the bedtime scene. I would write a love letter to the one thing I’m just not willing to let go of yet.
Dear Mr. Crib,
You entered my life back in 2007 and I had no idea the love affair we would have. Your 4-walled cell kept my kids safe, while they slept away on their (probably unnecessary) organic mattresses. You allowed me take showers in peace when I couldn’t trust two toddlers roaming the house. You kept them in a timeout when one was necessary for them (or me).
Last year, Lanagan decided to move on.
I begged and pleaded with him, sleeping in a big boy bed is so overrated. Mommy would sleep in a crib if she could; it’s like your own personal bat cave. I told him a story of how I even once googled “adult sized cribs”, but the search results yielded rather embarrassing bondage suggestions and it’s actually something I’m kind of ashamed to having on my permanent search history.
After a long discussion, my son convincing me he could move to a bed, while I warned him to be careful of what he googles in the future, we decided it was best that he moved to a mattress on the floor, and that I never go on the Internet again.
I rationalized this move from you with the fact that at least 50% of my kids were still enjoying all the benefits you offered.
Until this past weekend.
In a completely irrational move, I fear as though everyone in the house may be giving you up.
My just-over-2-year-old-but-still-a-baby-in-my-eyes is all but refusing you and crawling out on his own SEVERAL times a night. I’m beside myself.
After work today, I snuck in my Cooper’s room, and you and I had a heart to heart. I stroked your wood (there I go ruining my search history again) and told you to just work your magic. Do something tonight that would seal the deal and give me just one more year. Even six months.
Mr. Crib, no need to respond to this letter, as actions speak louder than words. I hope to see results soon.
Love Your #1 Fan –
Elena
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“Stroke your wood” had me on the floor.
My first never slept in a crib. He was co-sleeping with me from the start on our big bed. At 18 months, he moved to his own regular sized single bed (yes, skipping right over a toddler bed!).
I’m loving my second one in a crib. For now. Let’s hope he doesn’t decide to move on until he’s 2. Which is like a really long time away, right???
“Stroke your wood”…I die!!
Hope Mr Crib helps you out with this 🙂
Ha ha ha stroking wood! We put the crib mattress on the floor inside the crib once our 2 year old started climbing out. I am so not ready to give up that legalized cage!
Oh Lena. All I can say is I love you ad your terrible Google search results.
The only thing that kept me from crying the ugly cry about Eddie leaving the crib was that Charlie was moving in. When we are done with the crib for good? You all might have to come pry it out of my hands.
Oh how I love this!
It’s so very hard to let go of babyhood, isn’t it?
Here’s to 6 (or 7!) more months, mama!
When we moved our kids out of the crib I cried. Big ugly tears. Even though I’ve known that there is another baby coming to use the crib again. It still breaks my heart though.
I couldn’t wait to get my first out of the crib and into his big boy bed. The second one, well he will be in his crib until he is 30 or moves out of my house, whichever comes first.
You and I should meet up over a pitcher of margaritas and swap ugly Google-search result stories…
Just saying.
I’ll bring the wood.
I read the first line wrong and at first, I thought it said mommy is in timeout. Like you were in timeout:) I almost spit out my coffee on the screen.
What is with these 2 year olds and climbing out of the crib??? I hope by now Cooper has realized the error of his ways and is comfortably situated in his crib yet again.
Funny! Who knew all the benefits that cribs offer mothers?