When Did This Happen?

I was recently holding my 9 year old daughters hand when I realized that it just didn't feel the same . It no longer felt like the little girls hand that I used to hold while walking in the store or walking her into school on the first day. It now feels so grown up. Like a grown up.

She was my baby for almost 9 years before little Diego and I savored every moment of her babyhood and younger years thinking that I would never have another. Yet somewhere in all of that time she grew up on me. When did this happen? and how?

I remember the day I found out that I was having a little girl. I was so excited and have always had big dreams for her. I shopped until I dropped and hoped she would love all the things I loved. She let me spoil her rotten. Now she is my shopping partner and clothing critic. And she is so independent. The day of her letting me pick out her clothes and do her hair is long gone.

Oh how I love her. I just wish the time would stand still sometimes so I could take it all in. If I think hard enough I can still feel that tiny little hand with tiny little bracelets on it in the palm of mine. My sweet baby girl.