Maddie and her BoBo

My baby girl had her first sleep over last night. She had a great time. I, on the other hand, had a rough evening. Though I knew Laurie would take great care of her, it was incredibly difficult for me to let her go. My mind raced with thoughts of her waking up in the middle of the night, scared but not wanting to wake anyone up. The thought of her being scared, and alone, and maybe crying, overwhelmed my heart. And of course I also had really irrational fears. . .I wondered if the Shortlidges had fresh batteries in their smoke detectors, and if they had carbon monoxide detectors. It's hard to "grow-up" as a parent, but I know it is necessary. I desire for Madeline and Ryan to be independent and confident, and to learn to work through their fears. I'm so grateful for the balance between Matt and me. There was no way I thought she was old enough to sleep away for the night, but Matt did not think twice about letting her go (the only time I have spent a night away from her was when I gave birth to Ryan).

It is so special to see Madeline's nurturing side with the dog. These pictures say it all. I wonder how the Lord will use this trait in her.