You're Nine!

I consider July 18 a family holiday. This is a very special date for us because this is our daughter's birthday. She turns nine today. As of this posting she is spending her typical day at school with her teachers and classmates. There will be a small celebration in the house later. Just us, family. We'll be hosting a small get together for her classmates on Friday at school. She's a big girl now, no more kiddie parties. Haha, but she's looking forward going to Fun Ranch either with her friends or her cousin (whose birthday was yesterday) this weekend.

How time flies. Nine years ago my husband and I seemed at a lost on what to do with our our baby in front of us. She looked so fragile that a bone or two might break if we carry her the wrong way. First time parents. During the first few weeks we seem so unsure if we were doing the right thing even if we were guided. But as months passed, we gained confidence and it was like second nature for us to take care of our little Princess. Doting parents' instincts.

Sometimes I feel we are overly protective of our daughter. But realization sets in. She is not anymore the small child that needs overseeing at every move. At nine, she can do some things on her own. She is responsible enough to finish her homework alone. She knows what she wants to wear. She knows the books she will read the next time after finishing one. She pays at the counter whenever we have our trip to the bookstore. I let her do some household chores especially if she is the one who initiated it - like washing her plate. I encourage independence and decision making on her own "little" way.

Having said all these, deep in my heart, our Princess will always be our baby. I will let her fly but I'll be watching at a distance, letting her know no matter how old she gets, mommy will continue guiding her and loving her.