Tipping Point

Ada is at a tipping point.

She's at that precarious moment between infancy and childhood. Her facial features are starting to lose their baby softness. She knows more words than ever. She can express her feelings (somewhat). She knows what she wants, and she knows how to get it ("Mine!" she screams at Gabe when he touches her toys.)

Honestly, it was this week when I started tipping my head when I looked at her because she looked, well, different. Her hair is longer, her face is stretching out. Her body is getting leaner and losing some of its baby fat.

It's a fascinating stage ... I can see her as a baby and as a toddler all in one glance. How often do you see the past and future in one moment?

I'm a little saddened to see her growing so quickly. I love suggly hugs and soft skin and cuddling. And yet, it's so exciting. Every day is a new accomplishment. A new word. A new food. A new step.

Last night, when I picked her up at daycare, she pointed to the other kids and said their names. Muddled, of course, but she was definitely creating words. I was amazed. Where did this child come from, and where did my baby go?

Little Ada, you just take your time. I'm not ready to give up my soft baby hugs ...