Thank You Mom & Dad!

This week Paisley turned 9 months.  Really...9 months already? 

She's growing so fast and changing everyday.  I can see her changing right before my eyes and it's scary to think that in only 3 months she will technically not be a "baby" anymore!  She will be a toddler!  (Although, she will ALWAYS be my baby!)

This week, while dropping Paisley off at school I got to meet with her teacher about her progress.  We talked for a while about how she's eating, her ability to crawl, how well she can play by herself, her independence (yes, she gets that from me)...and then the bomb dropped...the conversation switched to their process of transitioning babies to the toddler room.  My heart sank...she can't be talking about my Paisley...my BABY...really, already?

After our talk, we walked over and watched the toddlers participate in art class.  They were precious sitting so paitently in their own minature chairs at the little toddler sized table.  Then I realized that will be Paisley.  I'm not ready!  People told me she would grow fast but if I would have realized how fast I would have held on kicking and screaming the whole way! 

How do you watch your "baby" change into something that is no longer a "baby" and know you can never get your "baby" back?  

It made me think about my parents and I realized once again how much they love me and my sisters.  But how did they do it...how could they love us (their babies) so much but let us go?

Honestly, I don't have an answer other than they did it because they love us...baby or not. 

I'm so thankful my parents chose to love us and let us grow up.  Sure, I was going to grow up regardless, but they could have held on forever.  They could have held on so tight I wouldn't be able to function as an adult without them.  They could have held my hand through college, not letting me accomplish anything by myself.  They could have given me all the money I ever needed instead of making me get a job...but they didn't.

They blessed my life and my family's life by teaching me independence and allowing me to think for myself.  To challenge authority when necessary, to learn from my mistakes, to love and be loved unconditionally, to be self sufficient and a God-fearing woman.  I love how they taught me the value of working hard to get somewhere in life, that it's what you know that will you get you there (not people), the value of money, how to get a job, the value of family, determination, sacrifice and how to give forgiveness-not guilt.

I want the same, and more, for Paisley so I'm going to let go and let her grow up.  I'm going to let her go to the toddler room, teach her how to get her own milk in the morning, give her chores and let her complete her school projects instead of doing them for her.  I'm going to let her bump her head on the playground because she forgot to duck, teach her how to say I'm sorry and forgive the people that hurt her, let her tell me she's mad at me and give her a hug anyway.  I'll read the Bible to her, be there to teach her how to drive (because we sure don't want her driving like Daddy...hehe), teach her how to get a job and be there to move her into college.  Then one day, when she's all grown up, I'll help her pick out that pretty white dress and let her walk down the aisle and start a family of her own. 

I'll do this, all while standing one step behind her cheering her on.  All because I love her...baby or not!

Thank you Mom & Dad for teaching me valuable life lessons that I can pass along to my baby. 

Thank you for loving me always...baby or not!