Mommy's Big Girl

Today Gracie and Mommy spent a warm afternoon at the park, and I found that my shy little ladybug had turned into a brave butterfly.

I knew it was bound to happen. Surely, she wouldn't cling to me forever.

Garren and I started to notice a change in her when we took her to the mall this weekend and let her play in the kids playroom. She was climbing steps by herself and sitting down and going down the slide by herself. No longer did I have to pick her up and place her at the top of the slide and hold her hand as she went down. I was excited for her as I tried hard not to follow her around the indoor playground. Garren says I hover.

Anyway, back to this afternoon. My big girl ran all over that playground, and she didn't wait for me to help at all! Our playground here is one of those that has twisting and turning steps and a bridge and much more. It didn't take her long to climb several wooden steps and slide down the medium slide without help. 15 minutes later she was going down the really, really big slide. I asked her "are you sure you don't want me to go with you?!!" She said "Sure momma... go!" And down she went, and laughed when she got to the bottom.

As if that wasn't exciting enough, Gracie decided to be even more adventurous. She climbed up more steps that led to a swinging bridge that she has always been afraid of. I watched her giggle as she crossed the bridge and looked down through the slats at me waiting for her on the ground which was at least 6 feet down.

I couldn't get over the change that has taken place in my toddler. She is more independent and brave than ever before. I guess I really haven't stunted her emotional growth after all! Good thing I still get tons of kisses, or I wouldn't be able to make it through this "look at me momma!" phase at all!

**The picture above is of her at the bottom of the medium slide.**

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