Baby's Growing Up

My daughter's fourth birthday Saturday was filled with presents, a chocolate lighthouse cake and the bittersweet realization that my baby is growing up fast. These past four years have been a whirlwind, and I wish that her time as a child would slow down a bit. I do enjoy experiencing her mature into her own person, but before I know it she'll be driving, dating boys and leaving our house to attend college.

I hope to capture this moment forever in my memory. At 4 years old, she's learning to read at preschool and working on becoming more independent. Kaila loves lighthouses, vehicles and stingrays. When I ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, she says "a bus driver." It will be interesting to see how that will change in the years to come.

Last year, for Kaila's third birthday, we threw a huge party at our house and invited our entire family. We ordered a gourmet cake, decorated the house in a luau theme and enjoyed Hawaiian food. This year we chose to stay low key with a small get together with the grandparents. Soon enough she'll be inviting her girlfriends over for sleepover parties like I had when I was young or even boy/girl parties that were popular when I was a teenager.  

My life has changed so incredibly since I became a mom. Some days I do miss the spontaneity of our lives before the responsibilities of being a parent took hold. If we wanted to go to Vegas for the weekend, we could just jump in the car and go. Eating out was where most of our money was spent. Toys weren't taking over every nook and cranny of our home. Sleeping in was definitely taken for granted.

We have enjoyed many fun adventures as a family in the past four years as well. We bought our first home. We visited the Grand Canyon and Cabo San Lucas. Trips to the aquarium, zoos, museums and lighthouses filled our weekends. We like to attend Volkswagen car shows and drag races. Yet often, the most fun we have is at home together. Kaila can turn any typical night into a performance with her singing and dancing. My life is certainly louder now that I am a parent!

The things I have learned from becoming a mom are numerous. Coffee is essential. Sleep is a rare luxury. A trip to the mall is now about climbing on the playground and eating hot dogs on sticks rather than browsing the boutiques. Dora the Explorer is not that annoying. Christmas and Halloween are once again magical. Laundry is never ending. Kids do not like brushing their teeth, eating broccoli, wearing clothes or cleaning up after they make a mess.

Yet I wouldn't change a thing. I can't imagine my life without my special, precious little girl. There's nothing I enjoy more now than taking care of her and teaching her about the world.