Oh, the nostalgia...

It seems I keep being struck by these realizations that my baby, well, she's just not a baby any more. I mean in one sense, she will always be. But, in age, never again.

It happened in Target the other day when I walked past the baby section and glanced down the aisles. Just like I have been doing over the past 2 1/2 years or so. This was the first time that I was struck by the fact that I no longer need to purchase anything in those aisles. In the past week or so, my little girl has managed to just about potty train herself. While I am super excited about this, it is a huge indicator that my girl's growing up. And that she will do it with or without my permission :)

And then tonight: She informed me of some truth that she learned in her class in church on Sunday. I am oh-so-grateful that we attend a church that believes in educating our children in the Word, not just babysitting so we can attend without distractions. But, again, I recognized that this was a little girl standing in front of me, challenging my motives. And while it was a little out of context, I gave in, because, frankly, I want to encourage her to speak His Truth always.

And the final straw that sent me straight to the computer to write this: a picture taken 2 years ago today. I looked into the face of a baby in that picture. A happy, round-faced baby with really short-looking bangs. And, while it was familiar face, it was clear that this was not the same little girl who had fallen asleep on my lap as I dug through pictures tonight.

To my Cutie: You light up my life. You make me laugh each and every day. You love life and the people you share it with. In the past two weeks, you have grown and matured so much. I have watched you kiss me goodbye and roll your backpack away as you go. You are itching to go to school in a big way. Your friends are in school and you are awaiting the day. I just know you will love it. You are a tender friend who loves in a big way. You learn new things each and every day and you love to discover things on your own. You can be easily frustrated at times and a touch impatient. But, what can I say, you have me for a mom. But, each time you hold my hand, or climb into my lap, you challenge me to be a better mom for you.

I love you baby girl.

Even if you do get big :)