Less Little

How many times have I had the privilege to hear, "Watch me mommy, watch me," in a voice young and believing and eager?

Dreams dancing in her heart, visions of hope in her eyes, and a little styrofoam ball topped microphone pressed against cherry lip gloss.

Sparkles serve as the strobe affect. Handheld, plastic flashlights spot and follow the performer in an off way. It's obvious sisters aren't good tech help.

The swish of her princess dress.

Little pink nails chipped here, chewed there.

Ribbons tied up in hair that should have been washed yesterday. But who has time for that when you're busy becoming a princess rock star?

Peach fuzz cheeks marred only by slight fudgsicle smudges.

How much longer will I have this?

When will she take her last little girl bow... and go to bed... a girl falling asleep and waking up less little?

Less Mommy watch me's.

Less young, less believing, less eager.

Less dreams, less sparkles, less dresses that swish.

Less pink nail polish, less ribbons, less fudgsicles.

Less little.

Less little- please don't come right now. Not yet.

My heart needs a few more, "Watch me mommy" pleas... please.
_______________________________________________________

Thank you Emily for hosting tuesday's unwrapped so we can all pause and reflect and capture these moments before "less little" steals them away.