Big Girl

It's really happening, our big girl is really becoming a child; not a baby, not a toddler, but a BIG TIME big girl.  She blew me to the curb last week when she apologized for doing something wrong, and just today, apologizing for a no-no before I could even say anything!  What did you say?  You're truly sorry for doing something you're not supposed to do?  You actually understand me now, and it's oh so bittersweet.  Not to be outdone by the totally random sister hug last night which included I love you's.  Talk about heart melter and day maker.

Gone are the days of Mommy come with me, and in full Bella fashion are the Mommy, when are you going? days now.  Okay, there are still events where she clings to my leg for protection for the first few minutes.  But she's really growing up.  Way older than her 3 1/2 years show on a piece of paper. 

And I'm not sure how to take it all. 

The girl has been my little mini-me sidekick for her entire life, minus the 5 weeks post maternity leave when I had a crazy notion I could actually leave my baby with an almost total stranger (GOD bless daycare providers!)...and not to forget her Wednesday mornings and dance class last year.  But for the girl's almost entire existence she's been my right hand girl.  She helps me with diaper changes, with running Kira to the toilet in desperate situations, putting laundry away, cleaning the house (she loves to clean - just like her Grandma!), and the list goes on and on.  She learned how to climb out of her crib, with the assistance of a stool, at 18 months after Kira was born by an unplanned c-section.  She's the ultimate whiz-kid if you ask me.  She has a a very strong independent side to her, as do her sisters, and I'm so very grateful that they do as children of a stay-at-home mama.

So this fall I not only have to let her do her dance thing once a week, but preschool.  EEEK!  She is so ready to go though and is really, really, really (insert way more really's in Bella's version) excited to start.  The girl amazes me with her ever-expanding vocabulary and the imagination and creativity inside that small little noggin.  And the things she asks and wants to talk about...wow is all I can really say to that.  She is a super sponge and wants to know who, what, where, when and why about everything, and I really, truly mean everything.

(first fish caught on the trip...she wouldn't hold him - He's too wiggly!)

So mom will let go (most of the way), and take a leap out into the world, Bella.  Know that we're right beside you; ready to jump when you are and okay to stay back when you're not.  We're so excited to watch you learn, laugh, live and enjoy life...plain and simple. 

Keep it real, my Bella Beautiful, keep it real. 

...and oh the places you will go...