A good night's sleep indeed

5 Minutes for Mom is having another great giveaway. This time it is for a children's bedroom set. The summer breeze set would be my choice. Below is my photo entry to the contest and a little background information.

This is the way Carson has been sleeping for a little over a year. He has had some major anxiety issues relating to night time sleeping and has found much comfort (and sleep) by us allowing him to sleep in our room. I had to draw the line and keep our bed off limits. Therefore, he has made his SpongeBob couch, Cars pillow, and Mickey Mouse blanket his "bed." I wanted him to be able to feel safe and that we did care about his fear. So this has been our sleeping arrangement. Yes, it's sad, but I knew it would be temporary.

Just recently, this past weekend we took the plunge and purchased a double bed for his room thinking we'd turn it into a dual functioning room as part guest room and part Carson's room for when he was ready to have his bed back. I bought some really soft fleece sheets, washed them, and made the bed. That night I asked Carson if he wanted to try sleeping in the new big guest bed not even thinking he would consider it. But guess what? He said he actually wanted to try it as long as Dad or I would lay with him the first night.

As much as I did not want this to become another bad habit, I agreed to lay with him. He got so cozy under the new sheets as did I. It took him no time to fall asleep and I was able to sneak out of the room. He only woke up once in the middle of the night and called out for me, not in a panic like in the past, but in a calm voice. I went in to check on him and he said he had to go potty, but was afraid because it was too dark. After he went potty he climbed right back into bed and I told him there were only a few hours left until it was time to wake up. That seemed to help ease his mind and he cuddled his stuffed dog and bear and fell back asleep as I walked out of the room.

The next night I was hoping it would go just as smooth. I put a night light in the hallway for his middle of the night potty run. We tucked him in and laid with him for a little while we talked. I could tell he was starting to drift off to sleep, so I kissed his cheek, told him I loved him and that I would come back in his room in the morning when it was time to get up. In a half asleep state, he turned and looked at me and asked if I would come in without Luke. Sure thing buddy.

And that was it. I walked out of the room. There was no screaming, no crying, no throwing of fits. It was peaceful and so very right. My boy is maturing and growing, and he sure is proving that to us.