Its happening already!! My relationship with Miss J. is quickly heading down that "no mom, just drop me off right here at the corner" stage. How am I already becoming an embarrassment to a FIVE year old?? When did we get to the point of her hugging and kissing me goodbye before we even reach the classroom door? She even rushes me out of my own grandmother's house with a quick "bye mom" and a swift slam of the front door. God forbid I forget something and have to go back inside, she wants to know why I am NOT in my car and half way down the street by now and stresses the point that she does not wish to return home with me. Geeez! If its like this at age five, I can imagine having no problems with her leaving the nest at 18, when it will really count. I might have to pack her clothes just to get her out of the house or on second thought, by that time, she might secretly pack mine.

Never thought that she would get too cool for her poor old mama, but I guess that's what happens when you begin to spend your days with 1st graders. Yep, its the hanging with that older crowd =). I have to say though that her independence is a blessing. I would rather her be able to stand alone in the world and face it head on than be heavily dependent on the acceptance and assistance of others. She marches to her own beat, she is never on the heals of others. I think that is something to be admired, rather than criticized, which some people who are close to me tend to do from time to time. We don't mind the criticism of her quick tongue and sharp mind because we know that those are the markings of a strong and intelligent black woman in the making. Lets face it, in today's world every woman needs to be able to assert herself and command respect, while at the same time being mindful and cautious of how her words and actions could affect others. I think we have a happy balance for now, but I know that as those preteen and teen years approach I will have to work with her in fine tuning these life skills. I think I am up for the challenge.

For now, I guess I will just continue to learn how to step back and allow her to continue to blossom. No public pressure for displays of her affection, no feelings of inadequacy, just the acceptance of the healthy development of a wonderful little human being.