She

dressed herself this morning.

This girl, who clings to me.

This little one.

This baby, who I have pulled from my bed, barely conscious with fever and infection.

She dressed herself.

It was the first time.

She chose the pants and the shirt, she decided on her own underwear.

She would not let any one of us help her.

She was determined to do it herself

and she did,

of course she did.

Even though her body lets her down sometimes,

she is the strongest person I know

and I am so proud of her

but

I’m also sad.

She’s growing up.

She’s learning independence.

It’s the way of things,

it’s meant to be

but I’m not ready to lose my baby

or my baby days.

I’m not ready for my independence.

It’s okay though

because I’ll probably be dressing this guy

until he’s ten.