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So, Abby turns 6 in a couple months and as much as I would like to keep that in the back of my head she makes sure that we know about it. She has started her party planning and this year she has made it clear that she is in control. She is planning a Lalaloopsy party and trusting me to make it happen. She spent all last night dictating her thoughts as I wrote them out word for word on the sheets of paper that she pulled out. One for her Cake. One for her Decorations. And one for the Treats. Her enthusiasm is pretty intense. And her ideas are so creative. Of course he want’s gold balloons so that we can paint faces on them and then attach ribbons and streamers for the hair. I love a good party so I am on board (see her 5th birthday here). But I am a little antsy at the same time. Not about the party but about the age.
I have been thinking about SIX for awhile now. Being a math nerd I can’t help but notice that it is 1/3 of the way to 18. When she goes off on her own. When she leaves me little nest. Can a third of my time with her home already have passed? It makes me teary just thinking of it. And while these 6 years have been long and often draining and we have been at each other’s side for almost every moment I know that it won’t always be that way. I know that in the last third (12-18) that I will be clinging on to her the way that she has been to me. Wanting to know everything that she is doing. What she is thinking. Wanting her to spend more time with me. So, it seems that we are in the sweet spot of a mother daughter relationship. The years where we dance. Where words flow free. Where we can be friends. Little lunches. Movie nights out. Shopping. Growing. I am really excited for it. I can’t believe that I am entering the heart of our years with her. I think these ones are invaluable when it comes to helping her grow into the woman that we both want her to be.
So, I assume that there is no better way to celebrate than a Lalaloopsy party here in our home with my growing girl.
Beautifully written Sarah and what wonderful perspective. I cried while reading this – my daughter will be 8 in March and I am in that “we dance” phase too. I remember when she was little and feeling so tired and drained at times and couldn’t wait until she got more independent. But now – I am just like you – at the stage where I know it won’t be much longer until I’m the one that wants her around more. Thank you for this post – it really touched my heart!!
Thank you Jen!