Last night Samantha graduated to her own room. I think it was harder on me than it was on her, but she is now sleeping in her crib in Rebekah's room. Her room.
About a month ago, I went away for 2 nights for a women's retreat & came home to a baby sleeping through the night in her own bed. Up until then she slept with Joel & me, like all our other children did as babies, and she most definitely didn't sleep through the night. She was sleeping in her crib for about half the night at that point, but she always ended up back with us. But while I was gone Joel kept her in her crib and since I wasn't their to comfort her, she would just go back to sleep. I guess that broke the cycle.
Yesterday we decided to move her into what is now Rebekah & her room. With it getting light here at 4 a.m., Samantha has been getting up at 4:30 - 5 a.m. for the past couple of weeks. We thought she might sleep later in Rebekah's room since it doesn't face east like ours does, therefore staying darker in the morning. It worked! She was up at 6:30. Actually, I only woke up because I heard the pitter-patter of little feet running up and down the hallway. Rebekah had gotten her out of her crib and they were all watching TV in the living room.
So, not only did I not have my baby in our room with me last night, but I didn't get my usual early morning cuddle with her. *sigh* She's growing up. I have to let go, at least a little bit. It's one of those difficult things about being a parent: raising your children so they don't need you any more. Every day they move away just a bit more and as a good mom, I have to let them. It's so hard being a mom, in so many ways, but just the best thing in the world too.
Speaking of children growing up, Rebekah had her 7th birthday party yesterday. I was in San Diego on her birthday (oh the mommy guilt!), so I didn't make my usual birthday post. How can I possible have a 7 year old daughter!?!! Anyway, yesterday we celebrated her birthday way a horse party. Our intentions had been to find a pony to rent & give pony rides during the party. Well, you know what they say about good intentions... it just didn't happen. But we had a great time in spite of that. We played musical chairs, Rebekah's choice, and had a small scavenger hunt. Of course we also had the usual cake (Cold Stone cake... yummy!) and presents. The girls had a delightful time visiting with each other as it's been nearly a month now since school let out.
I just love home parties. I must say, they're my favorite. I know a lot of people think they're more work, but I don't agree. There is just something about having your friends over, playing in your room with them and playing a few party games. I love the simplicity. Maybe I'm quaint, but I think the whole birthday party phenomenon has gotten a touch out of hand. What's with all the over-the-top parties? I don't have parties for myself that are as elaborate as a few I have been to for my kids' friends. So here I am, staying true to my values and keeping it simple. ;)
Okay, I don't know where that came from. Anyway, Joel and I are working on infusing a bit more romance into our marriage. In the spirit of that, Joel surprised me with 1 1/2 dozen roses yesterday afternoon. There are reds, yellows, oranges & a couple in between. He made sure that I noticed the colors and the meanings behind their colors: red for love, yellow for friendship & orange for desire. I looked up all the color meanings (don't you just love the internet?) and they made me smile. He also made a delicious dinner that we ate by candlelight after the kids went to bed. My husband is definitely a keeper.