Growing Pains

February 4, 2011, we lost the diaper. July 22, 2011, we lost the pacifier. I knew these experiences would be difficult - I didn't know they would be more difficult for me than my sweet baby girl. I mean little girl.. sigh. Sophie is quick to correct me these days.

"No, Mommy. I not a baby, I'm a Big Girl!" Generally followed by, "I can do it by myself" or "No! Let me do it!"

Every morning she joins me in my morning routine.

"I need lotion Mommy" and "Mommy, I has to have odorant too."

It's pretty awesome to see her learning, growing and discovering things on her own everyday. The hard part, for me anyway, is that everyday she seems to need me less and less. And eventually, hopefully a good 16 to 18 years from now, she won't need me at all.

I know this is a sign of being a successful parent, but that doesn't make it any easier. It's a bizarre feeling - I'm super happy that she's a social butterfly, a smarty pants and loves life, but part of me wants to snuggle her to death and never let go. I'm becoming the crazy, over-attached mom I never wanted to be. And she's only two!

Talking about her 19-year-old daughter, one of my good friends said, "You have to learn how to participate in their lives instead of controlling their lives."

I'm more than a decade away from that era in my life, but it's good advice. Especially for me, since I'm missing the baby days already.

Luckily, there will be plenty more firsts to experience with my little one. Along with losing the diapers and pacifier this year, Sophie has also had her first pedicure with Mommy and Gran and she has been to the big screen three times. She will finally eat something other than macaroni and cheese and her little conversations make me smile every day.

The happy moments definitely out-weigh the sad. I will always have sweet memories and a life to look forward to with my family. I cherish each moment with my baby chick and hubby and I feel incredibly blessed.

Two going on 20!