Shifting eight

Elodie is approaching 8 1/2 years old and I am reading a lot about the 9 year change. Over the past few months she has had a different look in her eyes, a new knowing that I can't quite explain. I still hear her exclaim joyfully "LOOK COWS!" when we are driving past a field, her childlike wonder intact. I often overhear hours of sister time stories unwinding. Let's pretend we are cats, fairies, princesses, wrapped up in song and magic, secret play that only they understand. And then, all of a sudden, she is rolling her eyes at me. So much of who I know, and all of a sudden, a new part of herself. 

When she asked a few weeks back to cut her hair to her shoulders I was a little sad. Her papa said no. I had to really examine why I cared so much and came to the conclusion it was because it was the beginning of her deciding for her body. Mama not needed as much anymore. I am letting myself sit with these feelings and then move on to celebrate the newness of this chapter. I love your new hair Elodie.