Monday, September 3, 2007

Just Yesterday

Written by: Jen E of Sunny With A Chance of Clouds


Just yesterday I held her in my arms for the very first time. I touched her tiny hands and counted her tiny toes. Just yesterday she was at my breast, nursing and falling blissfully asleep. I cherished that time. I could have held her forever. Just yesterday she was scooting across the floor, exploring her world on her own for the first time. Then came her first steps. Watch out world, here she comes!!! She was sneaky too. I watched her during one particularly tempestuous tantrum where she would calm only to rev it back up again when she caught me looking. This one was almost too smart for Mama! Back then I knew what to do. I could hold her, walk her, nurse her and all would be alright. It all came naturally.

Just yesterday, she quietly clung to my leg as we entered new places—timid and shy, afraid of new experiences. She never liked to get involved—no sports, no dance, no gymnastics—a total wallflower. Even in school, she was very reserved. But each year brings her a tiny bit more out of her shell. As she grows and matures, I find myself less confident. The times of being able to hold her close and make everything alright are slipping away.

Time flies so quickly. Today, she is nearly 7 years old going on 17 with hair of fire and a temper to match. She’s quite the drama queen. The tiniest scratch is tantamount to a mortal gaping wound and unmelted butter on her waffle is a disaster! But she’s blossoming, too. I love to hear her sing and watch her dance around the living room. I cheer as she steps out of her comfort zone and tries T-ball and takes swimming lessons. I envy her love of roller coasters as I won’t set foot on one. I love watching her “mother” her little brother and hope that I’ve made an impact on her as a mother.

When I see this picture, I see my baby girl emerging into an independent young woman. Seeing her peeking out from behind the cap shows me she is beginning to be more confident. She’s ready to start stepping out. She also doesn’t need me like she used to. Yes, just yesterday, she was my baby girl. Today she still is—and will always be—my baby girl. But watch out world, here she comes!!!


Jen E is the author of Sunny With A Chance of Clouds where she tries to juggle 2 typical kids, a busy husband, a crazy dog and a wild job while maintaining some sense of sanity and sharing it all with you.

6 comments:

The Farmers Wife said...

It is far too easy to spend your life wishing time away. wishing she was old enough to roll over, to crawl, to stand, to walk, to feed herself, to play alone, etc etc. Sometimes I think we forget just how quickly time does pass and how much we will miss it when it is gone. A great post.

Maude Lynn said...

Oh, I love this! It goes so fast, doesn't it?

Lavender said...

Beautiful piece for a very beautiful process - its got to be simply amazing to watch them grow! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

A sweet, loving tribute to your little-big girl. I have a feeling she'll grow into a special young woman.

Zellmer said...

There is nothing sadder than watching babyhood drift away.
Great post.

Jen E said...

Thank you for the great comments! Hubby was just saying how different she seemed this wknd--more subdued, mature. She really is growing up!

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