As a very tall three year old, Zac was more than ready to graduate from his infant crib to something a little more roomy and a little less prisony.  Cribs are great because they keep children enclosed and safe, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child is safely incarcerated.  However, the day that Zac learned how to climb out of his crib meant that he was ready for minimum security.

One dusty corner of our garage has been home to a big white frame with a bunch of bolts taped to one of the rails. Pastor Dad took that monstrosity and made it into a toddler bed.  Finding only 83% of the parts meant that a little side rail of the bed would need to be “saved for later”.  I figured that Zac was beyond rails.

I figured wrong. We woke up to the KLUNK at 3:30 this morning.  Shoulda put that side rail on.  Zac become so accustomed to having those boundaries that he assumed — naturally — that he could roll over as fiercely as he wanted.  Not anymore.  You’re a big boy now.  What a memorable life lesson.  Perhaps you remember a time where you fell out of a bed.  Maybe you hit your head so hard that you don’t remember.  Either way, it’s all part of the experience of growing up.

Zac took it well.  I picked him up off of the floor (it was an 11 inch fall) and gave him a big hug.  “You fell out of your bed, buddy — are you ok?”

“I’m fine, Daddy.  Put me back in my big boy bed.”

I’m glad he didn’t ask for his crib.  It’s pretty much gone.