Close the Door on Your Way Out

Bedtime used to be a stressful event in our household.

For months, my daughter would throw a fit if we tried to put her to bed and leave the room before she fell asleep. We tried to let her "cry it out" on numerous occasions, but she outlasted us every time.

And, she has some pretty powerful lungs.

Eventually, I gave in and decided it was easier to sit in the rocking chair next to her with my laptop and work while she drifted off to sleep. Of course, this became part of her bedtime routine, so that when we walked in to her room each night, she'd say "'puter," for my computer.

About a month and a half ago, though, we decided to put her to bed by herself again. The first night, she was so tired that she went straight to sleep. The second night, she protested by crying for about 5 minutes, and then fell asleep. The third night, she whined a bit, but didn't put up a fight. For the rest of that week and ever since, she's been tucked in with her stuffed animals, her blanket, and a kiss goodnight.

I hadn't considered how much things have changed until I put her to bed just now. She asked for a specific teddy bear, which I gave her. When I leaned over her bed, she pulled my face close, gave me a kiss, said "love you mommy," and then said "tose it," which, in her baby-speak, means "close it."

As in, close the door behind you on your way out.

How quickly things change.