First Night

E's first night in her big girl bed was a little rough. She was actually scared. Her entire bedtime routine changed, and this had ruffled the feathers of our little lady. When we left her alone, she would sadly sob and sob into her pillow. Since her frightened state was sincere (and not fake or dramatic), I was a little heartbroken myself.

I was already sad about not having a crib up in our house any longer (after nearly five years). It was just another visual confirmation that my baby is really not a baby. Plus, my dear husband didn't take before and after pictures of her room to document this milestone in our daughter's life. How dare he not consider my blogging in his task of moving and constructing furniture by himself! Then I had to painfully hear E sobbing alone in her dark and somewhat unfamiliar room. It took all I had to not snuggle her all night long, but we stuck to our guns and tried to be gentle but consistent with her in establishing this new bedtime routine.

As I laid by her for the umpteenth time that night, I wrapped my arm around her and proposed that we pray to God to bring E courage and peace. She agreed and I began the repeat-after-me prayer.

Me: Dear Father...

E: Dear Father........................dat's Stebe! (That's Steve!)