I have realized this week that time passes very quickly. Oh, so very quickly. Sure, there are days that seem never-ending, and there are weeks that seem to drag by. And I know for a fact that I have endured months at work that seemed like years -- for example, August and September of 2007 really did last an entire year all by themselves.
But I realized this week just how quickly time is passing.
My baby will be 10 years old tomorrow.
How did that happen? She isn't supposed to get older. She isn't supposed to grow up. She isn't supposed to be a big kid!
Yesterday in the car she told us that she can't wait to turn 12 -- that she would be turning 12 in two years and two days. Yes, thank you for demonstrating your math skills while pushing that dagger deeper and deeper into my heart. Very sweet of you.
Then she proceeded to tell us that in just three years her older sister will be graduating from high school and getting ready to leave for college. OK, just twist the dagger while you're at it.
After B's soccer game yesterday, we went out to lunch with some of the other players and their parents. Rather than fast food (our usual after a game), we went to a nice, "sit down" restaurant. One with menus and silverware wrapped up and waiters and the whole nine yards. Oh, before I forget -- my apologies to the servers and other guests who were subjected to the smell of six girls who had just played soccer for two hours in the heat.
The girls sat together at a table behind us. I realized then that B isn't a baby anymore (although there are times.....). She was giggling with her friends, ordering her own meal, cutting her own meat, and thoroughly enjoying herself.
Ten years ago tomorrow, my sweet B entered this world. I remember asking the labor and delivery nurse, shortly before she was born, what was going to happen after she was born. A's birth was rather traumatic and she was whisked off to the NICU, so I really had no idea what to expect with an (almost, pretty much) full term delivery. And then B entered this world screaming and full of life and they handed her to me. That was an amazing experience.
And we have had an amazing 10 years since then. She hasn't really quieted down, and she certainly hasn't slowed down, since then. She is full of life and is very sensitive. Intelligent and inquisitive, bright and eager to help and please others. Always on the go -- always. If she sits still for long, it's either because she is engrossed in a book or isn't feeling well.
I helped with her class at her school field day on Friday and watched her help me organize the students for various events, remember to put on her own sunscreen (of course I forgot mine), and keep tabs on what was going on. I was struck by how mature she is.
Later this year, A will be 15 years old and will be a sophomore in high school. Heaven help us all -- she will be old enough to get her learner's permit and start driving (yes, I will be sure to warn you all when that happens).
I have come to terms, I think, with the fact that my baby years are over. But for some reason, having B hit the "double digits" tomorrow is hard.
These last 10 years have flown by. I still remember, in a very real, physical way, how it felt to hold her in my arms for the first time. Now when she wants to snuggle on my lap or next to me in bed, she takes up a lot more space . How did it happen so quickly? I don't know.
Happy birthday, my sweet B. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 10 years. I just wish they hadn't passed so quickly.
