The Working Mom by Kay Luna

I know it’s silly. It really is.

But I feel a little sad today that my job is causing me to miss out on two of Babycakes’ “firsts.”

My friend who watches her, who we lovingly call “Mrs. Stacey,” is taking her and the other girls to the park today for a picnic. Her first picnic. And her first trip — ever — to a park.

I bought her a little book before she was born (it was a Christmas present for my then four-day-old baby) called “Going to the Park.” It’s a picture book about a little girl encountering butterflies and dogs and leaves and all kinds of other things at the park. I’ve read it over and over again to her.

Babycakes LOVES going outside, so I know she will love watching the bigger kids play at the park today. She will love watching the trees sway in the breeze and feeling the grass in her little fingers.

I’m really glad Stacey is taking her. I just wish I could be there, too.

After many drool-filled days and nights, Babycake’s very first little white speck of a baby tooth has emerged from her lower gum.

I’ve been anticipating this for weeks, but it still was very exciting to see that little toothy for the first time Sunday.

Ironically (and the timing had nothing to do with the tooth) we’re starting to wean each other from breastfeeding, a little at a time. She doesn’t seem as interested in it anymore, and I’m guessing it’s because my supply is dwindling.

It’s so strange that this era of her little life is coming to an end, but a new and wonderful one is just beginning.

I remember being so proud as that tiny infant grew bigger, when the only nourishment she was getting was coming from me. Now, she’s getting teeth and eating big-girl food — and she even surprised me today by grabbing for my popsicle and popping it into her mouth before I could stop her! LOL!

After raising a son, who is now a big man-looking teenager, I know this is the beginning of a long — and I mean LOOONNNNGGGG! HAHA! — process of letting go.