She Eats The Crust Now

In mid-August, I was cutting up cucumbers for Edee and realized she eats the whole cucumber now. I used to have to peel off the skin, cut off the seeds and then give her what was left, which wasn't much. Before realizing this is how she likes her cucumbers prepared I would get back a dish of half eaten cucumber seedy centers that she nibbled the edges off. 

Then, the other morning I realized she eats the crust on her toast and at least half the crust on her peanut butter sandwiches. I only ever cut the crust off a few times and gave up on that quickly when I realized she can just leave it on her plate like she did the cucumber seeds. 

Every day, since the cucumber day I've been realizing little signs that my beautiful baby girl is changing and has grown a lot this Summer. 

Last weekend she was taking a shower and all of a sudden I couldn't hear the water anymore and a moment later out walks Edee, wrapped in a towel. Getting herself out of the shower has become a new normal. 

Recently at Apple Bee's she didn't hesitate to try Alfredo noodles. The girl that always asks for plain noodles tried noodles with sauce on them! Her willingness to try new foods appeared out of nowhere and has lead to some awesome discoveries. Like smoothies with yogurt, honey, pineapple, mango and strawberry! 

Yesterday in the grocery store she thought it would be funny to slip Unicorn cookies into the basket without Daddy noticing. When we didn't buy them, even though we commended her on her sneaky trick, she didn't throw a fit. She asked for mints, she asked for gum and treats but didn't get them nor did she throw a fit. I didn't carry her out of the store kicking and screaming. Those, not so pretty moments are still plastered in my brain. 

But, when did it change? Where did the tantrums go? Where did her fussiness over cucumbers and bread crust go? Not that I miss fussing over silly things but when did she grow out of them? The first day she ate all of the cucumber and the toast crust slipped right by me, unnoticed. The things that seemed so hard and made me question how we'd make it through slipped by too. They're just gone. 

 

My epiphany reminds me of the phrase, "this too shall pass," Something my Mom always says during the tough times. I realize now it passes so quickly. 

Reminder to self and all the Mamas out there: 

In moments of stressing over careful prepared cucumbers and crust-less toast, in moments of utter embarrassment at the grocery store, in moments when you think you've had about enough, STOP! Remember, these moments will pass. All of a sudden you'll realize, like I did, your little one isn't so little anymore. 

In the moments that test you remember they still need you. They might be growing up, becoming into their own but they still need you. Remember: show them kindness and they'll be kind, show them patience and they'll be patient, show them curiosity and they'll be adventurous. Show them love and they'll be loving.

Always,
Karlee