While running my fingers through this beautiful little girl's platinum blonde hair the other day I became aware of how incredibly long it has gotten. As I observed her throughout the day I realized.. it's about to reach her shoulders! I have always loved the fact that she has so much hair for her age. I can't get over the beauty this little human possesses.
I managed a french braid last week, and the other day I got it ALL back in pigtails. Not just little top-of-the-head pigtails, but FULL pigtails. I can hardly believe it! She's has.. toddler hair now.
I know the old cliche, about how "they grow up so fast." But really. Can you please slow down a little bit ?! I can hardly keep up.
We must have passed another growth spurt, as I've just put into storage the rest of her 3-6 month clothes, and some of the 6 month ones. We're up another size in clothing, folks. Kinda, sorta. Those 12 month jammies she got for her birthday are still extra large on her little body. Every time I pack up clothes, I feel just a little bit sad. And I sincerely hope she's not the only little girl I get to dress in them.
Verity was playing the piano the other day, per her request, when she suddenly pointed to the lamp over the music and asked, "what's that?" Ummm.. sure. I can handle this. I told her all about that lamp, every time she asked. Then about the music stand. Then about how pianos aren't for climbing. (This fell much more easily into the realm of normal.)
But she keeps taking off. I suddenly realized that this cute little sing-song-y "huh-la" thing she's been saying for months now is not just her way of greeting people, it's her mimicking the way I say "Hi, Love." to her when I enter the room. Adorbs.
Husband was blowing bubbles for her to pop the other day when she spit out the word "bubble" like it was nothing. While snuggling and playing in our bed the other day after morning nursing, I looked at her and said, "I love you." And wouldn't you know it? She smiled back and said, "uv-ooo." I melted.
She's been splashing and playing in the tub lately. After a year of screaming, I was beginning to wonder if she would ever enjoy it. And here we are with bubble bath, a toy octopus, and toothy smiles.
Oh, and about that piano playing business? It may have started as her favorite thing to hit repeatedly just to make noise, but she's started to plunk out some legit little scales. She seriously blows my mind.
So, bragging about my kid aside... I am so proud of all that learns everyday, and of the lovely little lady she's becoming. But my question to all you experienced Mommas out there is this:
How on earth do you handle your baby growing up?! Is this when people start planning for number two? When your baby is no longer a baby and you need another one to fill that little aching hole in your heart?
At least she still has chubby cheeks and rolls of fat on her legs. The day those things are gone is the day I'm really going to lose it.
this made me tear up. i feel ya momma. i dread putting her to bed at night cause she wakes up a day older in the morning. ps we are going to idaho in may and i think its mandatory we meet up somehow. :) i need to meet this little one. i totally FEEL like i know her so i need to really meet her so i am not creepy. hah.
ReplyDeleteI think the thing is, you don't ever handle them growing up. You just try your hardest to capture every moment and cheer them on while they are learning new things.
ReplyDeletePretty soon you'll have a little one who doesn't want to play with you much but would much rather try things on her own. Like, everything. Noella has gotten to that point. She tells me what she's doing but doesn't want me to play. It kills me but I also realize, that's just her growing up.
We are trying for number two now. It hurts my heart to think that we are at that point already but it's also a great feeling.
okay, these comments are helpful and encouraging. I'm glad I'm not the only one getting emotional about it!
ReplyDeleteTara: ummm.. yes, it is mandatory! And you're totally not creepy. haha. I'm so excited for Vera & Kyra to meet each other! oh, and we want family photos! we just about flipped when we saw that you're coming! do we need to reserve a time with eastern idaho's fave photographer?
Erin: you know, my little one was born with some of that independence.. I'm sure it'll hit in full force in another year or two. best of luck with #2! maybe the next one will be clone of YOU?