Baby Steps

I love the milestones that come during baby's first year of life. The first tooth, the first time sleeping through the night, first smile....so many firsts. I love them all. But I have to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with one of the firsts - baby's first steps.

Brielle has finally started walking. She actually started about a month ago, but didn't really get it mastered until now. Today she has been walking all over the house. And part of me is SO happy and excited!! My back doesn't hurt today. I've been able to use both of my arms today instead of just one. I only had to make one trip downstairs carrying groceries because I didn't have a baby to carry with me...All of these are good things, right??? Yes, they are. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

There's just this other part of me that really doesn't like it. In fact, this part of me hates it and wants her to stay little forever. I love picking her up and cuddling her. I love that she's my little buddy that just lives on my hip. And I love that she WANTS to be carried and that I'm able to carry her wherever her little heart desires.

But, the two of us had a talk. I'm letting her grow up. I'll let her learn to walk, talk and feed herself. Maybe I'll even someday let her go to school. And in return, she just has to make me the promise that she'll live with me forever. That's not too much to ask is it?? Maybe I'll change my mind at some point in the future and let her move out, but not for the next two or three decades. Baby steps for her, baby steps for me.