My Baby

is no longer a baby!

But it is these subtle moments that remind me that she still needs me (and Teddy) for comfort and support.

This morning, I allowed her to watch a little Sesame Street in bed at our beach condo while I put on my makeup and finished packing a few things so we could get out the door to go shopping. I glanced over at her, and I noticed that she was snuggling with Teddy Bear (which is the norm) and one of her baby blankets that made the trip. It was such a precious picture, so I grabbed the camera. And, naturally, she changed positions. I finally coaxed her to sit back up as she had been sitting so I could capture this precious shot.

My baby is realizing that she is no longer a baby. During our drive to Hilton Head yesterday, Annabelle and her Daddy had the following conversation after Hubby referred to her as a baby for some reason. I cannot remember the specifics as to why he called her a baby, but she was obviously quite offended.

Annabelle: I not a baby Daddy! I a big girl!

Daddy: I know sweetheart.

Annabelle: Why'd you call me dat Daddy?

Daddy: Because you'll always be my baby sweetheart!

Oddly enough, the blanket shown in the above picture is actually the very same blanket she refused last night as I was tucking her in. The blanket in the picture is normally hung at the end of the crib to block the headlights at night and sunlight in the morning. I always tuck her in using her "Annabelle" blanket, but we left it at home because it smelled like tee tee.

Well, last night, I was wishing we would have just ignored the tee tee smell and taken it with us. I didn't know the "Annabelle" blanket had become yet another lovey. She gets a peppermint every evening instead of "Mommy's milk." That was my success to weaning her! And, yes, I do brush her teeth after she eats her peppermint. Well, she reminded me last night that she had not gotten her peppermint. She started to fuss, but I was able to quickly distract her with an animal cracker to replace the beloved peppermint.

But, the blanket was a different story. She said, "Cover me up Mommy." So, I covered her up with the blanket shown in the picture above. "Noooooo! Not dat one! I want my udder one!" I told her that we had left it at home. You would have thought the world was coming to an end based on the way she was acting. She finally did settle down, and tonight was not an issue at all. I guess she has become attached to yet another lovey!

Dear Annabelle,

These are some of the little things that remind me that you still need me! Sometimes I find these habits and your behaviour annoying and frustrating, but it is the moments like these when I sit back and think and realize that you are only acting this way because you need someone to love and comfort you when the world seems big and scary.

The world is big and scary sometimes sweet girl, but I hope you'll always find comfort in knowing that I love you and that I'm always here for you whenever you need me, no matter what! And, I mean, no matter what!

Even though I want you to be as independent as possible, not depending on anyone else for anything, I still hope you'll still need me for some of the little things, even when you are grown, married and with a child of your own. Goodness knows, I still need my Mommy and Daddy!

Love,

Mommy