Austin....

I was just in my bathroom straightening up, and as I pulled out the top drawer I saw a few things that reminded me of a scene this morning. It made me smile with pride, then wince with regret. Earlier today I was in a rush trying to get the boys and myself out the door as early as possible to get a slew of things done today before heading out of town tomorrow. Austin was in my bathroom and had pulled half of the things from the top drawer out onto the floor. I told him (showing my disapproval, I'm sure) to hurry and put it all back because we had to go. Well I finished getting ready and went on my way and didn't think another thing about it...until just now. He had cleaned it all up and shut the drawer, and I wasn't there to notice or to thank him. I know it's probably not a big deal, but in light of all we are trying to teach him, especially about obedience, I want to praise him on a job not only well done, but a job done without me looking over him. I mean, don't we all like getting praised? So, I will give it where it's due as soon as he wakes up from his nap.

Which reminds me of something else about Austin, if I can brag just a little more....he is so good about bedtime and naptime. Since he's been in a big bed, he doesn't necessarily like going to bed, but is very responsible about going to bed. Many times we have to put him down and run to shut the door before he gets out. Then he will sit and cry at the door. But after a minute or so, he will go turn off his lamp, turn on his sound machine, climb under the covers and go to sleep! Then when he wakes up, he gets out of bed, turns on his lamp, turns off his sound machine and knocks on the door to be let out. When we open the door, he greets us with a happy "hey mommy!" (or daddy) as he's standing there with a smile on his face and his bucket of cars in hand ready for the day.

Just precious!