Today was the day! My daughter graduated from her crib to her new toddler bed. “Please, I’m all verclemt, talk amongst yourselves!!!!” Jim and I had decided that when the potty training became somewhat consistent (which I haven’t rushed) that, as a family, we would celebrate by giving her a new bed.

We’ve had the bed down in the basement for sometime waiting patiently for its new tenant. She has been advancing quite well for some time. We were more working on the consistent “poo poo” on the potty situation. And we crossed that threshold today!

We went to the store to get new bedding. She was thrilled. She excitedly pointed to different colors, styles, and patterns. Then we took this precious little girl out to eat to celebrate.

We got home and Jim carried the bed up to her bedroom. Then I went in and made it all up for the grand entrance. I turned on the camcorder (surprised?) and then Daddy & Abbagael made their entrance. We had so much fun. And it was great watching her make the transition. She loved it and she loved feeling “so special” to Mommy and Daddy.

And call it what you want….but when we put her to bed we anointed her and her new bed with oil. We three knelt down by her bed and prayed. Daddy prayed. Mommy prayed. And then she prayed. I silently LAUGHED/ CRIED at the same time as she simply prayed, “Jesus, thank you….Daddy…..Mommy….Ahbi….and NEW BED! AMEN!!! We hugged and kissed her and as I shut the door behind me, I leaned back on the door as the tears streamed down my face. Jim squeezed my hand and then we walked down the stairs into a new season of life together.

After about 45 minutes of listening to her talk, sing A,B,C’s, etc., I went up and sat for a few minutes with her. We sang a few songs. Then I said to her, “I’m so proud of you Abbagael”. She opened up her arms for a hug and replied, “thank you Mommy”. I told her I loved her and to go “nite nite” now. Again, I headed back down the stairs. You could call it “the trail of tears”. Not sad tears or tears of heaviness like I’ve known in past years of my life. But tears of outright amazing joy! And I AM proud of her. Not because of any accomplishment, or success, or what she can do --although I am that too. But I am proud of her because of WHO she is. She is an amazing human being. A pure and heaven sent gift from God. And I, of all people, get to be her mommy. I have such an incredible love for my precious girl. This love cannot be measured. I can only imagine, how much God loves each one of us, uniquely, right now at this very moment. Their are no bounds to His love for us.

And every day that she lives was ordained for her before one of them ever came to be. How could I be anything but amazed. I am so grateful to you, my loving God! She is sleeping now. I'll make another trip in to watch her sleep in her new bed. Glad the camcorder has 'night vision'. Hee hee! Enjoy your life, my friends! It's a gift!