Graduation

Emily doesn't bathe with her brother and sister anymore. A while ago she started taking a shower. Last night she wanted to fly completely solo.

Me: *Pouring shampoo, and applying it to her hair*
Em: I want to wash it myself.
Me: Okay. Make sure to scrub the top and the sides, and rinse underneath. Do you want to do the conditioner yourself too?
Em: Yeah.
Me: Okay. When you wash squirt about a quarter size glop of shampoo. When you condition use about twice that much conditioner.
Em: Got it.

Something about watching her standing there in the shower, I could just get a glimpse of her future self, and yet she looked so small. It's not as if showering is such a grown-up task, but when my children do something for the first time, it seems the sparks fly between my synapses and I see multiple Emily's merge, like one of those 3D pictures you stare at until you see the hidden image-- suddenly it comes together.  I am handing over the reins, working myself out of a job little by little.

Me: Now you'll be able to take a shower all by yourself.
Em: Really?
Me: Sure. You know how to wash your body and your hair, that's all there is to it. I'll just turn the water on and off for you.
Em: I want to turn the water off myself. And get my own towel. *turns off water, reaches for towel*
Me: Alrighty then, I'm gonna go do the dishes. *walks to door*
Em: Mama?
Me: Yeah?
Em: Can you dry me off?

We both cracked up. It may not come across as funny in print, but we had a good laugh. It's another sign she's growing up-- she knows what's funny. It's amazing how much they learn-- not only the mechanics of the language but the subtle inferences. I'm so grateful to be a witness to all of it.

Comments

[Kym]

I thought it was funny too :)

[The Zero Boss]

Too cute. :)

Every once in a while, Jaxon will demand that I dress him. Even after they grow up, they'll have moments where all they want to do is be babied.

[AGK]

Not on topic with this post:

I removed commenting on my blog. You said, "I'll remove mine if you remove yours ;o)" So...I dare ya! *wink*

[cursingmama]

They grow up so fast...the only "participation" I have in bath time now is to say "you stink, go shower"....at least it doesn't cut into my knitting time.

[Sheryl]

Yikes! You are one brave woman. Remember the Seinfeld episode where George and Jerry make a pact to get married? I think this might be like that. I will give it due consideration though...

[scott]

Sweet!
Had the same thing with Hannah today. She offered to do the dishes, but she can barely reach my knees. She ran around making excited 'skoosh' noises, and that was her way of helping. Cool.

[lizardek]

It's so cute, and heartwarming, and heartbreaking. :)

[Kris]

Love that!

The other day John called Mary Poppins "Mary Poopins," and cracked up laughing. I thought, hey! that was a good one for a 3 year old!

[Kat]

sniff..sniff... Oh how the grow so fast.

[carmie]

you seem like such a good mom, very involved and conscientious about your kids. i really admire you for that.