Gymnastics

The pictures are really grainy. I was all the way across the gym with Claire. I didn't want to be that mother who is constantly following her kid around snapping pictures and interfering with the class, so I made myself sit still and watch from the sidelines, and take pictures from there.

When we left yesterday I said, "You followed directions so well! You should be really proud of yourself. What was your favorite part of your class today?" and she said, "Everything!"

I love the way her whole demeanor changed when I told her she should be proud. She puffed out her little chest, and walked a little taller. Every day she is more and more her own person, and less a part of me. It's bittersweet, to watch her grow, and know that she's inevitably growing away from me.

She's the youngest kid in her class, and the tallest. I didn't get a picture, but at one point they were marching, and she was out in front of the group, with her knees up so high, and she looked so proud, so confident.

She's not my baby anymore. She's a big girl. A big gymnast, even! It goes so fast.