Big boy bed

Cooper is sleeping in a twin bed all by himself the very first time. It's a bittersweet day. 

On a whim we decided to go to the furniture store while we were out today. Tanner and I had both been thinking about the bed thing but neither of us said anything. At the store we looked at big boy beds, but Cooper didn't seem too impressed. Then we got home and he kept asking where his bed was. We talked about it a decided to just go for it. 

We have two twin mattresses in the guest room. We decided to move the crib out and put a mattress and box springs on the floor for now. I'm sensing a DIY upholstered headboard in Coop's future. 

I just snuck into his room to check on him. I felt like I was reenacting "Love You Forever" creeping in to peek at him. I had a fleeting memory of sleepless nights spent nursing and rocking and patting him to sleep. I waited until the air conditioner would kick on to try to make my escape hopeful that low hum would cover the sound of the door. And now I want to sneak back in love on him after he's asleep. 

I just can't believe we are already here. My heart aches a little for gummy grins and baby snuggles. Not with just any ol' kid, but with my Cooper-man. It's amazing how a little thing like twin sheets can make memories flood back and make me want to stop time. But, as motherhood has taught me: for better or worse, this too shall pass. 

Movie date!

We went to see Monsters University last night. Great movie. Great time!

Cooper's Monsters University student ID. 

Check out the movie stars. 

That's one scary lineup! 

New definition of love

I've been reading a book called Grace-based Parenting. It's FANTASTIC! I was reading today about how kids need to feel genuinely loved by us, their parents. The author, Tim Kimmel, defines love this way: love is the commitment of my will to your needs and best interests, regardless of the cost. He goes on to say, "It is not in our children's best interest to give them everything they want, to make life easy for them, to side with them when they are clearly wrong, or to circumvent the consequences for their sins. It is not in their best interests to facilitate false fears holding them hostage, to fight their battles, or to rescue them from all their wrong choices." WHOA! 

Take a second.....read that again. This time, let it really sink in. I'll wait.....

My heart broke for my son! I saw a flash of his future - pain, fear, sin. Things I can't and shouldn't save him from. I know there will be times in his  future when he makes bad decisions. I will see it coming. And I will have to watch it happen. 

I pray God gives him wisdom to make good decisions. But my son isn't perfect. I have a bump on my head (from a thrown fire truck) and a bruise on my arm (from vicious little teeth) to prove it! I pray hard for God to protect my son. But this world, Satan, is out get him. 

I will love him in a way that gives him the security of knowing that when he makes mistakes, I'll be there.