Growing Pains...

Make Fiona Laugh, originally uploaded by Bless Her Heart.

Will someone tell my daughter to stop growing? Sheesh. Lately she is just feeling so big to me. Just this week she learned how to roller skate, make her own purchase at the book store *and* started reading Harry Potter. At the book store, she didn't want me to wait in line with her. She wanted to prove to herself that she could do it without my help. I knew she could, but she didn't and so she ordered me away. I guess that's a big thing for me. She is doing a lot to prove things to herself. She's always been eager for accolades, so it's interesting to see this new growth. BUT one of the things that I've noticed is that she doesn't really let me take candid shots of her any more. She wants to look 'just so'...contemplative, serious, mature. I feel little pangs, little panicky pangs at the thought that she feels the need to seem some certain way. Of course I am thrilled for her that she is so excited to be learning all of these new things. I love her ownership of 7 1/2 and what it means to her. I dig her swagger and marvel at her sway in this new found maturity...but hate that the world has to work a little harder to get that goofy giggle. I guess it makes it all the more worth it when it comes.