Bunk Beds and Questions

Seth and Sam have hit two milestones these past couple of weeks: sleeping in the same room again (in bunk beds) and officially entering into their “question phase.” What do I mean by their question phase? Let me give you some examples:

“Mama, where you going?” – “Outside.”

“What you doing outside?” – “Watering.”

“What you watering?” – “Plants.”

“What kind of plants?” - (I close door cringing because, if I don’t, I probably will have to answer all those questions again…for my other son!)

Yesterday’s lunch questions:

“What did God make the rain for?”

“What are we eating bananas for?”

I’m sure you’re getting the picture. It is very sweet, and thankfully they aren’t just saying “why?” Instead they phrase it: “What are you doing that for?” However, it does require me to mentally be “on” all day and to constantly exercise my patience.

Onto bunk beds. I’m so excited about this and so are the boys! Some of you may remember that last year, about this time, we finally put Seth and Sam into separate rooms. Details here: http://benjamiemorris.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-sweet-slumber.html. It was really sad, but also one of the best decisions we had made regarding all of us getting some more sleep. However, the intention was always to have them return to the same room again. A couple of months ago I got the itch to try them together. Truth be told, on days that they take naps, they usually don’t fall asleep until 10 or so anyways—so we figured they might as well be chatting to one another and having brother time. Also, I was dying to get our guest bedroom back; we have so much company and our “guest bed” has been a mattress on the floor in our play room (hardly private, comfortable or convenient).

Seth and Sam have done WONDERFUL being back together again! The first week we borrowed a toddler bed from our friends, so we could have a trial run before purchasing bunk beds. Every night we would encourage them to be “sponsible” (as they boys say), so that they could earn their bunk beds. By the time we bought the beds and Ben put them together, the boys were trembling from excitement to sleep in them.

Initially they were fighting over the bottom bunk (seriously silly kids!), but we finally talked Seth into the fact that the top is way cooler. Here are some pictures of Seth and Sam’s first night in their bunk bed. We have taken off the cool tent, however, because it was way to difficult to get to Seth in the middle of the night (and we couldn’t see both their sweet faces at once). They are doing awesome staying in bed and aren’t playing—too much.

Not only are Seth and Sam loving their bunk beds, but Ben and I are too. Something just feels “right” having them together again! Also, it’s so fun to be able to climb into bed with them to cuddle and read. I’m having a blast redoing my guest bedroom and even redecorating the boys’ room (from Africa theme to basketball). I’ve been amazed how rearranging and adding some furniture can keep kids busy for hours upon hours. They LOVE playing boats/cars/anything on their bunk beds and have also been helping me “fix” the guest bed using their tools. (Note to self: when kids are squirrely in long winter days: move furniture around for a change of pace!)