And Now You Are Eight

Not so very long ago, I held you in my arms for the very first time.

You were so small, fragile, the world in my hands.

So many hopes and dreams wrapped up in a tiny body.

And now you are eight.

You no longer fit all curled up on my lap, your gangly legs hang over the side.

Still full of hopes and dreams, some of them close to realized.

Not so very long ago, I watched as you learned to take your first steps.

Desperately wanting to be independent.

Determined to succeed.

And now you are eight.

And now you can fly.

Not so very long ago, I wanted to stop time.

You were growing fast, way too fast.

Stopping time meant you would need me forever.

And now you are eight.

And I'm not sure what I want time to do.

I'll be honest, there are some phases I'd like to fast-forward.

And others I wish would never end.

Not so very long ago, you taught me what it meant to be a mother.

That it's more than feeding choices and sleeping schedules.

It's more than stressing over vaccinations and school decisions.

And now you are eight.

And now I know that being a mother is an amazing gift.

One that keeps surprising me.  Keeps me on my toes.

One that will forever bind me to you.

I love you forever, I'll like you for always.  As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

Happy birthday my precious Princess #1!