Growin' Up

My daughter woke up last night after having a bad dream. So, I walked her back to bed and sat with her a while as she drifted off. Just looking at her I noticed how much she has changed recently. She no longer has the face of a baby, but rather one of a little girl. She has lost all baby fat and is now rail thin and tall. Her face is becoming more angular and defined. Gone are the chubby baby cheeks of her early days. She is three afterall, so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, but it still caught me off guard.

Then I thought about what an awesome responsibility it is to be her mother. She's kind, caring, smart, and compassionate. She's so fun to be around and the conversations she and I have are amazing. She's independent, not easily swayed, and a deep and serious thinker. I am often amazed at the connections she makes and insights she has. I just can't help but wonder when she became this little person. This person so capable.

When I look at my son I see the beginnings of this same transformation. He's becoming his own person. Still dependent on me and my husband but testing out his own independence. He has his own ideas about how he wants things and while it can be frustrating I love that both children know what they want and aren't afraid to go after it.

I guess the ultimate goal of parenting is to produce self-sufficient, industrious and independent adults who are kind, honest, loyal, loving, and compassionate. I guess I just didn't think so much of that would come so soon.