{Brooklyn} Sleeping & The Big Girl Room

I always say I was a better mom before I actually became one. Having studied education in college and doing so many childhood development courses (and having been a nanny myself for so many years), I thought I had it all figured it out. HaHaHa...I have to laugh at even myself. I'm pretty sure there is no amount of experience or education that could effectively prepare you for motherhood. Now I'm strictly speaking from my own experiences. And I have already seen the spectrum amongst my friends...those who just slide into the role of motherhood with grace and the others that slide into the role on sandpaper (that's me). There is nothing in this world that can prepare you for becoming a mother! It is so bittersweet as you navigate the waters of calm & stormy, and there is a fine line between the two.

Brooklyn was an amazing sleeper from the time of three months. She slept in a bassinet in our room for most of her first year (she was such a little peanut and could) and then graduated to the crib in her room. It wasn't until I went on vacation with her to my hometown that she started sleeping with me. We were in a foreign place and she wanted to be comforted...so of course I let her climb into bed with me (she wasn't quite 2 years). Well that was the decision of doom! Once I returned from that vacation, she refused to sleep alone and was a permanent fixture between my husband & I in our Cal King bed.

It's only been since recently since she is in her own bed again and in a separate room. We may still get the climb into our bed at 3am but she is going to bed in her own room at night and staying there for, in not the whole night, most of the night. Except for nights like last night. I put her to bed at 9pm and she wanted one thing after another to drink or eat or to play with....no sleeping was in sight. Well, it was nearing 11pm and I knew she needed to wake at 7am and I was flippin' tired. So I just finally pulled into her bed with me and said "It's night night time, shut your eyes." Why does that work in my bed but not hers????? She was asleep within minutes, maybe even seconds.

My older brother has been living with us for the past year and only moved out this past month. Which freed up Brookie's new big girl room. I've gathered images on Pinterest and found ways to decorate on a dime. I used most of what I already had in her room with the exception of a few things I purchased. I kinda love what I created...it's so bright & cheerful...and just a little bit eclectic too.

I gotta thank our friend Melly for her chalk installation on Brookie's chalk door...(she's infamous for visiting and leaving notes & stories behind)