Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Things change right before my eyes - before I even know they've changed. Most notably are the phases of my daughter's life that just seem to pass before I've even realized they are gone.

Tonight I sang a rousing rendition of "The Goodbye Song" from Bear in the Big Blue House (thankfully I know the words) and a not so perfect version of "Teddy Bear's Picnic" (I have since looked up the words). When did this little ritual begin, I wonder? It has been going on for as long as I can remember. Me or my husband, sitting beside her bed singing and patting her back.

It got me thinking about all the other little things we would do for her - especially at night - and when they just stopped? When did rocking her in the glider stop? Walking and bouncing? Nursing? Night waking? (ok, she still does that last one sometimes) I feel though that when I go through each of these 'phases' it seems that they will never end. Then she outgrows them or they outgrow her - or better yet - we just get tired of them all and move onto something else.

As I looked at her in her bed today, I still couldn't believe how big she's gotten, how she says "Good night Mommy, I love you" and gives me a kiss and hug. I also know that this phase too will pass. I hope it never does or better yet, I hope I never forget it.