You mean no more crib?

So it feels a little weird tonight. Kendall is sleeping in her crib... for the last time! That's right, we bought a toddler bed and are putting it together tomorrow. I'm a little sad, knowing that 2 years ago, we were new parents, learning the whole bedtime routine for the first time.

I remember so clearly rocking for what seemed to be hours ... And singing all her favorite songs that she still loves now. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", "Jesus Loves Me", "Amazing Grace" ... And now she sings those songs to me. I remember the books we read that were so graciously given by friends and family. "Goodnight Moon", "Twas the Night Before Christmas (yes, year round!), "10 Little Ladybugs", "Ladybug Girl" ... These are all books she still enjoys and we've added even more! Whole milk now replaces breastmilk and formula. Cups now replace bottles. Nightgowns are the new "onesies".

But I know each night, when I rock her to sleep ... she hasn't changed to me. She still cuddles and nestles close to my heart, still flutters her precious eyelids as she falls asleep and still holds my fingers as I lay her in the bed.

Me and Kendall, July 2008

I don't want to forget any of these moments and I certainly don't want to change our bedtime routine (all the moms out there TOTALLY understand). But what happens when she walks over to her bed and gets in by herself? Will I cry? Will I smile and breathe a sigh of relief? Or will I run to pick her up so I can do those precious honors?

One thing I know that I will do ... As I close the door (and put up the gate for fear she will walk out on her own as well!), I will quietly thank God for each night He gives us together. With the crib ... and without.