Brooklyn decided she just NEEDED a bike. For two weeks, all she did was gaze longingly at the neighborhood kids as they pedaled past, then look at her trike with clear disdain. This kid is good, no lie. I weighed my options. I could reward her for being a good girl: she picks up her toys, she loves helping me clean the house, and she's generally agreeable. I don't really have to fuss much. She even puts her clothes in the hamper each evening. Yes, my kid is dynamite.
Saturday we were out shopping for the last-minute odds and ends for her birthday party. (September 19, 2009! She'll be THREE YEARS OLD on September 21.) She was unusually well-behaved in the stores--it was a long trip, as I am extremely picky about the small details when I shop. The bike thought hit me again. SHe seemed to be telling me with her eyes that she DESERVED this new bike, that she had EARNED it by being such a stellar daughter. That she was desperately trying to learn all the big girl things, and riding a bike was important. (I read a lot into those big brown eyes, don't I?) So I got her one. (I have a weakness for shopping; having a little girl does NOT help!)
She's been completely obsessed about her bike since day one. When we actually purchased it, she insisted on sitting in the shopping cart with her new bike, waving like she was in the Miss America parade or something. She's such a card.
Day one of practice was hilarious. At first, she wanted her own bike photo shoot. Every ten seconds, it was "Mommy, take a picture!" or simply, "Cheese!"
She pedaled quite well, even in the grass. I was left to stand in awe watching my baby ride around the front yard. She begged me to let her go on the sigh-walk. I am NOT a fan of pavement. But she assured me she was ready. So I took a deep breath and nodded. Watching my baby girl ride her bike--indescribably.
Right now she has training wheels. Her bike is only a 12-inch one. A small pink and purple and cerulean bike--no streamers on the handlebars, but her helmet and knee-and-elbow pads match the bike's frame. And she adores it.
I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I love how big and independent she's getting. She brushes her own teeth and washes herself in the bath. She dresses herself--sometimes even picking outfits that match WITHOUT my help! She has come a long way from the little newborn I was scared to hold. I still remember how I rejoiced when she held her head up for the first time. Her first smiles, babbles, steps--everything is ingrained in my memory and my heart. Now there's another thing there--watching her with her bike. She's such a wonderful little girl.
I'm not exactly sure how I'll handle taking the trainers off, but we'll cover that in a few months.
(Dear God in heaven, let it be a few months! While I love to watch her grow up, it also makes me sad. Being a mother does that to you. You rejoice and your heart is full with each new achievement...but it reaks a little to know that your baby is one step closer to not needing you anymore.)
Friday, August 21, 2009
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