She’s growing up so fast. I can barely keep up. She dresses herself, feeds herself, defends herself, plays by herself, goes potty by herself. I’m so proud of how independent she is. Outwardly I seek out opportunities for her to prove her independence. Inwardly my heart is not ready for her to be so far away from me. She still needs me in ways that are often tiring and draining but the simple fact that she does need me helps me hold on to her babyhood. I’m not ready for her to turn away from me completely and she isn’t either (she’s only 3) but I can already tell how amazingly self-assured she’ll be. How confident and successful and able to take care of herself she will be. But I want to tell her every morning and every night to just slow down, stay with me just a little longer, let me hold you and love you and walk with you hand in hand for as long as I can get it out of you. Growing up is hard… watching this little person that you made grow up might be even harder.
