Isnt She Too Young For This?

I brought Ella to preschool the other day, and we go through the same motions every time. We go inside, take off her coat and set her backpack down with the others. We round the corner to her class and before she goes in, she turns around and gives me a hug and a kiss. She tells me she loves me, I tell her the same and to have a good day at school. Sounds normal for a 4 year old and her Mommy, right?

Well, yesterday was different. I think it was a turning point in her growth and our relationship. As we rounded the corner to her class room, she charged right into class. I said, "Ella, come here and say goodbye to me please."

She turned around and headed towards me. As she grabbed my hand she pulled me down and whispered for me to come around the other side of the wall. I asked her what was wrong. She replied, "I just don't want everyone to see me give you a hug and a kiss."

"What? Are you kidding me? Do we start this already?!", I thought.

I didn't push it. I gave her the biggest hug and kiss I could and told her I loved her.

I stayed in the classroom for a few minutes talking to someone, and in those few minutes, she came up to me twice and hugged my leg, telling me she loved me. I didn't want her to feel guilty for having those emotions or think that I felt bad. But I could tell that she was worried I was upset over the incident by the way she tried to make up for it before I left. I was ok. Just a little thrown back....Maybe she sensed that. I really didnt expect this for another year or two atleast. I'll take it in stride though, since its all a part of growing up.

But it means exactly that. My baby is growing up.....too fast.