crossing bridges

Motherhood is about one step at a time. I feel that there are a lot of new firsts coming up in the next 6 months or so that I have a hard time fathoming. Some examples:

1. Getting rid of the binky. Levi only uses it for nap and bedtimes now. I think we've gotten rid of it in the car, except maybe the long road trips. I'd like to get rid of it around 18 months, though. How will that work??

2. Transitioning to a big boy bed. Granted, I think we have a little while for this one, but the thought of Levi being free to move around in his room at night? What will he get into? What if he leaves his room? I know I can't keep him in a crib until he's in high school, but still!

3. Watching him get on a school bus with a total stranger and drive away from me. How is that going to go down?

4. Letting him play outside with friends down the street and ride his bike or walk to the pool by himself. Many, many years from now. Many.

I try to make myself feel better about these things by thinking of all the bridges we have successfully crossed that seemed insurmountable at the time.

1. Taking naps in his crib. There was a time I never thought he'd sleep anywhere but in his bouncy seat. That lasted all of, oh, five months.

2. Keeping him "entertained" all day. When he started growing out of that newborn phase where he'd be eating or sleeping at all times, I freaked out about "what am I supposed to do with him when he's just... awake??"

3. Grocery shopping with him. It's not always pleasant, but we manage!

We've come a long way, buddy!

Levi's first ride on the D.C. metro.