Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Growing up...


Anna just turned 8 this summer, but she is a very mature 8. She is very aware of everything around her, and I can often see her little mind cranking away; sometimes with understanding clearly dawning and other times with questions in her eyes that never cross her lips. We've touched on the topic of "maturing and developing" briefly over the last year, and lately she had really latched onto the idea of spending some quality time with mom and having some "girl talk". I've been planning on setting aside a day for our mother-daughter date, but it just hadn't worked out yet. But today, I was going to finish up some school shopping, and pick up some groceries and my sister was going to watch the 2 younger girls. When I dropped Eva and Elley off at Livie's, Lily got drawn into playing right away and asked if she could stay too. Liv was happy to keep the three, so we decided to have our special day today! We headed to the Gilbertsville Tea Room, where we were thrilled to find that it was so empty - we had a room to ourselves! We ordered our lunches, and over our scones and iced tea, we flipped through an American Girl book that focuses on a girl's changing body, laughing at some of the illustrations and talking about appropriate ages for leg shaving and makeup, as well as the more *delicate* details of a maturing female. To be honest, I was expecting more blushing and giggling, but she handled herself like quite a young lady. Over our quiche and grilled cheese, we also talked about boys, ("I want to marry a boy who wants kids, cause I want to be a mom like you; and it wouldn't be good if he didn't want to spend time with the kids too."), and college, and even love languages. After lunch, we did the rest of our shopping and running around, just the two of us. I was continually amazed at her maturity and thoughtfulness. And, just so I didn't get too teary thinking about how grown up she is - I was quickly reminded that she's only 8 when she was picking out all Hannah Montana school supplies! She has grown into such a beautiful and sweet little lady, who I am very very proud of and who I enjoy immensely. I am feeling so blessed to be a mother today.

8 comments:

Holly said...

Bets, she sure is a beautiful young lady! I'm encouraged by your words (and your mothering ability!) - as one day (hopefully far, far from now) I too will have to have the growing girl talk with Avery! I may call for some advice when that day comes!

Thanks for sharing and give all your growing girls kisses from their far away cousin Holly!

Laura said...

awww...that is very nice that you had that day together...

Momma E said...

What a perfect little lady she is. You're such a good Momma. :)

Jessi said...

That's really cool that it worked out for you to go yesterday...and that it went so well. I'm not surprised she handled 'the talk' - she's really quite a mature young lady. She's very thoughtful - not just in her actions, but I mean in the sense that she deeply ponders things; I've many times seen those questions in her eyes, tempered by her amazing sensitivity. I feel blessed by having you both in my family!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE THAT PICTURE OF YOU GUYS! YOU LOOK SO MUCH ALIKE!

Anonymous said...

Anna's picture reminds me of someone I met almost 19 years ago. She looks so much like you!! :)
Anita

Anonymous said...

Your sentiments of appreciation for your oldest brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing....and reminding us how precious each of our children are.

kaydiebugsmommy said...

Awww Bets! I loved reading this. You give me so much to look forward to as a mom.