Wednesday, July 31, 2013

11 Is Not the New 8

She's a much different person today than she was just 3 years ago.

I can't pick her up as easily. I certainly can't throw her as far in the lake, or flip her while holding her by her arms.

Clothing holds her attention now. American Girl dolls don't.

She's less interested in Bugs Bunny and more interested in The Simpsons.

In her extra-curriculars, the gap between kids who are "casual" versus "committed" participants is blatant.

Interaction ("help me do this, daddy") gave way to observation ("watch me do this, daddy"), which has given way to awareness ("I'll be with my friends, dad").

Of course, I should expect nothing less. She's much closer to being a teenager than she was last an infant. It wasn't dramatic or sudden, and not everything about her has changed. Nor am I the same person I was just a few years ago. Plus, our relationship has to change if we're to stay interesting to each other, and not merely dependent and obliged to one another. And I'm looking forward to the next voyage of discovery, and curious to know who she'll become.

Still, I can't help but miss that little person I got to know.