one year old independence

giving sage an early morning bath just seemed like that right thing to do today. Not just because she loves bath time, but it was cold in our home when we woke up, and I just felt like changing things up a bit.  as the warm water was filling up in the tub, I took a moment to get sage out of her pajamas. the shirt is usually what I tackle first. she's not a huge fan of things going over her face, so I'm always quick with this part. once that was done, I leaned over to help her with her pants. she will usually hold tight onto my legs for balance, and today she did just this, but for the first time she was able to wiggle her chubby little legs out of her pants all on her own without any help from me. she knew how to move them and it was just all very coordinated and grown up of her.
this little act of independence on her end did take me back a bit. in a good way, though...in a happy tears kind of way. but i have also been noticing a little quest for independence brewing inside of her these past couple weeks. i'm not feeling the overwhelming emotions of.." oh she is growing so fast..can't it just stop..blah blah blah.." this time around, which is actually really surprising to me because I have felt that and said that in my head so many times during this first mama experience of mine. but instead, i'm just finding this time with her exciting and interesting to watch. and plus, the most beautiful part of all, is i recognize she is still so young. when it comes to trying new things, she still needs her mama's love and reassurance. i know she will always need me to give her a hug or a pat on the back after she runs off to try whatever it is her little lovely self wants to try. and baby girl I will do that, no problem.

when we went outside to play a couple days ago, she taught me this. I could tell she wanted to test out her independence skills from how she was wiggling in my arms. so I set her free and put her down. she liked this and smiled but at the same time made it clear she didn't want me to move far from her.

she was interested in standing and making sounds and taking in the surroundings on her own two feet, but still needed to have someone there for reassurance and love.

I understand, sistah! so, then i just decided to kind of move her around to the places i wanted to go. 

she enjoyed the scenes, too, on her own...

chicken butt

this new little side to her has made me realize even more the intensity of the bond between mamas and babies. she needs me just as much as i need her. and i'm just so in love with this fact, and this bond, and just with the overall notion that my presence provides her with such a beautiful blanket of comfort and warmth.

I've heard this so many times before. but this parenting thing really does keep getting better and better.