Growing Up

There are lots of firsts in a child's life, moments that as a parent are so rewarding and heart-warming: the first time you hear mama or dada, the first few awkward, stumbling steps, the first birthday filled with family, presents and cake all over the place.

Ava has hit a new first that makes my heart swell with happiness: first friend.

Amidst the adults chatting, a football game in the background and the opening and closing of the cooler for another beverage, shrieks were heard.  And giggles.  Little feet pitter-pattered down the hall, voices called out to each other, toy grocery carts were pushed and baby dolls were cared for.

Ava and Ella have been around each other many times and have played before, but this time was different.  They played together.  For a long time.  And they had an absolute blast.

This is a first that maybe a lot of parents don't think about or take for granted.  But to me, it's something special.  Watching your child interact and have so much fun with another child is...well, it's awesome.  It's dream turned into reality: "When we're grown up and have kids, our kids will play together and be best friends, just like us!"

Yes, I used to have that conversation with friends.  And maybe Kelli and I haven't been friends since childhood and wished those dreams together, but I bet we both wished for it when we were younger.  Who knows if Ava and Ella will grow to be good friends or not, but for now, they are perfect little friends.

By this time next year, Kate can join in with the girls' fun...and maybe she'll get a playmate of her own one of these days!

Ava is also really close to her uncle Matt.  She cannot get enough of him.  A few times a week, she lets her feelings be known.  We'll be driving in the car and she'll suddenly exclaim, "I wa Maa!"  Thankfully she gets to see him often.  We're lucky to have family that lives so close to us!

This darling girl of mine is just growing up so fast.  I can't believe she'll be TWO in a little over a month.  Everything within her has started blossoming out of control: her social interactions, her words, the tasks she can do around the house.  Now if only we could teach her to change the cat litter...

Gone are the baby days: no more bottles, no chubby fat-rolled thighs, no toothless grins.  We have a full-fledged toddler on our hands who is slowly but surely becoming a little girl.  Where does the time go?

In the blink of an eye, this little girl will be a teenager with lots of friends - and lots of drama.  I'm glad that right now, I have the chance to enjoy her simple friendships and the little things in life that make her happy: an armful of bracelets, bowls of "Cheer-o's" within reach, baby dolls to love on, and lots of books to read.

In the meantime, I need to start planning a second birthday party!  It'll be here before I know it...