When I get home from work, after you've had your dinner, your dad and I take you for a walk. It's my second favorite time of day (the first being when I hear you wake up and I walk into your room to lift you from your crib and give you the first of many daily kisses). So, we usually put a sweater on you for the walk. We pack up your Cheerios (which we call "Ch-ch-ch's, a clever way for your dad and I to say "Cheerios" without you knowing what we're talking about. The flaw in this plan? That you are so dang smart...you now know that Ch-ch-ch's are, in fact, Cheerios) and put fresh water in your sippy cup and head out. We walk to the nearby University and take in the spectacular views of our fair city. We catch up on our day and sing you songs and you like it when we both hold your hand as the stroller strolls...a tricky task. But also a glorious one.
But, within the last week, you no longer want to be in your stroller. You want to walk, too. You are very independent. It's rather stunning to see. You don't want to hold our hands anymore, either. You want to do it all by yourself. And, when you fall, you pop back up and just keep on walking. You also greet passersby. You wave at everyone that passes by. You are unbelievably friendly and no matter how stern a strangers face is...when you approach with your crazy curls and determined gate they can't help but crack. They wave back and smile with a joy that your father and I get to witness hundreds of times a day.
Your early independence has me both filled with pride and filled with heartache. At sixteen months you are already realizing the truth that I hope to keep from you for as long as possible...you don't need me. You can do it yourself. And are adorable as you do it. I already imagine the day when you will ask me to drop you off around the corner from your destination. And it makes me realize that it's all going by so fast. Already you are a little girl. No longer the infant. No longer the beloved bump in my belly.
So, because it's going by so quick, we must get to today's lesson. Brought to you by Ghandi and mommy..."Be The Change You Want To See In The World." It's simple. It's elegant. It's something that you are instinctually doing already...by waving at stern strangers and melting their hearts and reminding them that there is good. That there is sweetness. Because a sweet and determined little girl with pink Robeez boots, a striped pink sweater and a curl-hawk just looked at them and waved.
I love you so much sweet girl.
Mommy
