Two Big Boys

One of my boys used to be a little boy, still in a crib and imprisoned. Now that little boy is in a big boy bed and choosing to obey the rules, all on his own. He's now a big boy.

I was a little apprehensive the first night he had his bed and stayed by his door waiting for the inevitable shriek of victory at being set free from his bars. I became a little confused when I didn't hear anything except a little rustling as he shifted around to get comfortable, like he had been doing this his whole life already and it was no big deal. His older brother took a few days of testing every nook and cranny of the rule to finally settle down and stay in his bed and go to sleep, so I didn't really know what to do with this instant conformity.

I thought, "Well, naptime tomorrow will be different. He'll finally act up and not sleep."

I camped by his door during naptime the next day, and again, nothing.

I was beginning to get a little frustrated. I had this whole thing planned out. I knew how I was going to deal with the disobedience, and because he was not doing what I expected, my whole plan was ruined.

For a couple more days I waited for the realization to set in, that he was free and could get out of bed and play if he wanted to, but he either never realized it, or simply didn't care. I know I should be grateful, and I am. It's just that I was thwarted, and I don't like to be thwarted.

Now my plan has been put in reserve for the time when he does finally decide to test it. It might be my imagination, and possibly my hope that he will allow me to enforce the rule that he's so kindly complying to, but this feels like a dormant volcano that is going to erupt unexpectedly.

For now, he's being such a big boy.