The boys and I were shuffling along the boardwalk that zigzags over the wetlands, pointing out beaver lodges and muddy raccoon tracks.
It was the high, just-afternoon sun that warmed our backs as we stopped to kneel and swing our heads low over the walkway to spot tiny fish and plunge barkless sticks into the muck.
By the time we reached the lookout tower, where the marsh meets the treeline again, we climbed to the top and looked back over the path we had just traveled. We could make out a distant strand of bobbing heads snaking along the boardwalk. I zoomed in on my exuberant 6-year-old as she, her classmates and teachers approached our perch.
Once close enough to see us, Liliana grinned and I warmed. As she walked past I asked: "Watchya hunting for?"
"What?" she said sharply as she hung back a moment while her pack ascended the tower steps. "We aren't hunting for anything."
And with a swirl of her hips and slight flip of her hair, she turned to catch up with her group.
***
It was 7:45 and the boys were already sound asleep for the night, but she wasn't ready just yet. She rarely is. So her Papa and I kissed her good night and left her alone to read just one more chapter.
Ten minutes later, I padded past her room carrying a basktful of laundry and saw her light still on. Peeking my head in, I asked: "What's up?"
"I'm hungry. I was wondering if I could have a stick of cheese."
She's been doing this a lot lately -- requiring a snack past bedtime -- I wonder if a bad habit is forming.
"OK," I say, "Stay in bed and I'll bring one to you."
"Thanks, Mama," she replied with a sincere smile aimed right at my eyes. "I love you, Mama."
It was the high, just-afternoon sun that warmed our backs as we stopped to kneel and swing our heads low over the walkway to spot tiny fish and plunge barkless sticks into the muck.
By the time we reached the lookout tower, where the marsh meets the treeline again, we climbed to the top and looked back over the path we had just traveled. We could make out a distant strand of bobbing heads snaking along the boardwalk. I zoomed in on my exuberant 6-year-old as she, her classmates and teachers approached our perch.
Once close enough to see us, Liliana grinned and I warmed. As she walked past I asked: "Watchya hunting for?"
"What?" she said sharply as she hung back a moment while her pack ascended the tower steps. "We aren't hunting for anything."
And with a swirl of her hips and slight flip of her hair, she turned to catch up with her group.
***
It was 7:45 and the boys were already sound asleep for the night, but she wasn't ready just yet. She rarely is. So her Papa and I kissed her good night and left her alone to read just one more chapter.
Ten minutes later, I padded past her room carrying a basktful of laundry and saw her light still on. Peeking my head in, I asked: "What's up?"
"I'm hungry. I was wondering if I could have a stick of cheese."
She's been doing this a lot lately -- requiring a snack past bedtime -- I wonder if a bad habit is forming.
"OK," I say, "Stay in bed and I'll bring one to you."
"Thanks, Mama," she replied with a sincere smile aimed right at my eyes. "I love you, Mama."
Oh, little girls. They grow into themselves so *quickly* it seems, becoming opinionated and dubious and also (thankfully) more precious by the day.
ReplyDeleteSo glad she made sure you knew she loved you!! It is always hard when they want to be so grown up at times!
ReplyDeleteMy oldest son is the same way. Growing so fast I can barely keep up. But when he leans into me while grocery shoppping, or runs to greet my hand at the bus stop. I'm a puddle of goo.
ReplyDeleteThey are supposed to grow fast. My heart has a hard time keeping up with it all sometimes.
I adored this post.
Alita
so sweet. she's trying out her big girl legs. but she's still your little girl :)
ReplyDeleteShe's here and away, growing fast (too fast!), and you're such a good mama to be there watching over her in the near distance. Oh, how I know these moments!
ReplyDeleteThis was beautifully written!
There's such complexity in growing up and trying on who you are and figuring out what all of that means exactly. And you were a beautiful example both times of offering what she needs to grow and flourish.
ReplyDeleteI love these snippets! You write so beautifully, capturing so much in just a few words. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI only have a five year old and a two year old, but those brief moments when they pull away and assert their independence bruise my heart, but I always rest in the knowledge that they will always need their mama...even if it's just so they can have a stick of cheese. :-)
ReplyDelete