big boy bed...

Prince Keo really does run our house. If he weren't so stinkin' adorable, it may be different, but I doubt it. He's the last of my princes and he's got *everyone* wrapped around his chubby little finger.

So the boy has pretty much slept right next to me for the last twenty of his twenty months. I was amazed when he was tiny and brand new, how I would lay him down on our bed and he'd stare at me for a minute and then put himself to sleep. He's a pretty good sleeper but I always have this nagging thought that it's because he's right next to his momma, that's got to be way comfy for a baby. Anyway, T and I decided that it's time for him to have a toddler bed. I know there's all sorts of different opinions about security this-or-that and when's the "right" time to move a baby from a crib. But since he's never had a crib, has rarely had to sleep on his own, I figured he's gonna feel insecure no matter what, we'll deal with the possible drama just like we do any other. And he would climb right out of any crib so fast if we ever tried to put him in one, it would just be silly.

So...this is what I wanted:

But...this is what I wasn't willing to pay:

$329.99 $242.49

Ohhhhh! 88 dollars off! Um, it's not like he's a *real* prince or anything.

 So...this is what I could afford:

'Cause it was on sale at Target! But the Prince doesn't particularly love Toy Story. But it was on sale, and I don't buy *anything* unless it's on sale (it's a real problem, drives T nuts, we'll save that for another post though. Or not. It's really not that interesting of a problem).

So...anyway, $45 at Target and it's still a fun bed and all.

Then I decided to check the local classifieds online, we happen to have a really great classifieds, not creepy like craigslist, just full of a bunch of other determined-to-get-a-good-deal-moms' posts.

So...I found this but wasn't willing to pay the listed $70-$100: 

 

Even if it was something like $100 off the retail price.

I waited a bit, decided that it would have to be Target, but then found it on the same classifieds site and it was $50! So I drove straight over there and bought it, strapped it to the top of my little Corolla and drove home knowing it looked ridiculous and reveling in my smart shopping. Took the whole thing apart, bleached it all and put it back together, just like new!

He. Loves. It.

We put our little t.v. on the shelf in front of his bed. Now he crawls into bed, says, "Watch Cars?" or "Watch Thomas?" depending on his mood and cuddles up with one of his brothers (or both - they love the bed too) and goes to sleep. Zero drama. He didn't sleep in it the first night, but he has since. It's actually probably harder on me than him; I check on him about ten times a night. I guess the whole feeling secure thing isn't just for the babies. Don't worry, I'll manage. I have, however, found myself less inclined to move the big boys from my bed each night after we finish our chapter of "Percy Jackson" (*awesome* series, by the way, the boys are digging it and think it's way better than the movie).