"Big Girl" bed

It was several months ago that I posted a video of Samantha climbing out of her crib, remember? Well, luckily for us, that was a one-time deal and she didn't do it again until just before Spencer was born. Then, she pretty much got in and out as often as she liked. But she suffered several "bonks" and "owies"in the process. So, we got her a "big girl" bed, which she is VERY proud of!
The big girl bed came about the same time that Sammie learned to open doors. So, just imagine the whole new world of freedom she has discovered this past few weeks... can get out of bed anytime she wants; can get out of her room any time she wants; can run faster than Mommy. Hmm. It's definitely been a transitional time for us!

The past week or so, Sam has developed a night-waking habit. This is especially bothersome now that we're also up with Spencer a couple or three times each night. The other night, while Brian was out of town, Sam came into our bedroom at 3:30a.m. She turned on the light by my side of the bed and started talking to me about toys and books and her sippy cup. What?! Where did our good little sleeper go?!

She's also still VERY attached to her binky. (Yes, my will power to rid her of the binky died sometime last summer -- she'll eventually grow out of it, right?) The rule has always been she could only have it in her bed at naptime and bedtime. But now that she can get in and out of bed any old time she wants, she also thinks she can go have a little binky time any time she feels like it. Due to extenuating circumstances (my surgery, Spencer's birth, etc.) we've been quite indulgent with that one. She now calls herself "Binky Lover" -- something I called her once when I caught her with it.

Anyway, I just wanted to write a bit about Sammie and her fun big-girl bed. She does really seem to love it, thankfully.
I can't remember if I put up these pictures or not... I probably did. Here's Sammie getting ready to go to the hospital... cutie!