After much delay, we finally did up Livi's room by putting in the finishing touches - a set of pretty Ikea bed linen and her darling Brownie & Lambchop. And without much fuss and fanfare (in fact, with much enthusiasm), Livi slept in her own room on the night of June 14.
It was mixed feelings for BP and I as we contemplate how that'll probably be the way we'll feel when she gets married - proud but with a tinge of reluctance as our baby moves on.
But things weren't as smooth sailing coz Livi cried in the middle of the first 2 nights. Anxious but patiently, we put her back in her bed each time and she carried out sleeping. We told her there's no need to cry if she awakes - coz if it looks bright, then she can just walk over to our room; but if it's still dark, all she has to do is turn over, close her eyes and sleep.
It's amazing what clear and simple explanations can do but sure enough, on the 3rd night, Livi only wimpled but didn't cry as she came over to our room.
The next morning, I asked her why she did so - was it coz she missed us or coz she was frightened. She looked really down and didn't answer at first. But after some probing, she said it was coz "I'm sad". I was shocked at her reply and amazed at what complex feelings a little girl like her was capable of. To allay her concerns, I explained the reason she's sleeping in her own room these days is coz she's growing into a lil girl and therefore need to be more indepedent, and not coz Daddy & Mommy don't love her anymore.
Till today - 2 weeks since she first moved to her own room, Livi still walks into our room in the middle everynight. But I hope she at least knows now, that she wasn't abandoned but merely taught greater independence.
Sleep tight my babe.
