Ashley's reached another milestone

Ashley had always been a clingy baby. Perhaps I was too protective of her or perhaps because I am a stay home mum, she is so used to have me with her all the time. I remember the first trip when we flew to Australia. I was literally carrying her in my arms throughout the entire 8 hours flight. A lovely air stewardess looked at me kindly and commented, "This must be your first child". Thinking back, she must have thought what an ignorant mum I was.

I do enjoy staying home with my girl. I get to watch her growth and mold her character (whatever that was not already inborn), discipline her and loving her. However, the downside of being a stay home new mum was that Ashley became too clingy to me. She was not playing well with other kids in the playgroup for the first 6 months, always wanting to play with me. She couldn't stay in the creche (Sunday school) by herself and either hubby or I have to forgo the sermon to be with her in the creche. I was getting frustrated and worried if she will ever be independent enough when the 2nd baby comes or even when it is time for her to start pre-school. A friend suggested to send Ashley to childcare, to help her be more independent before the baby comes. I was a little distressed thinking about her crying and wailing at the childcare. I don't want her to be traumatized by the experience of going to childcare, which might "scar" her future attempts to be independent at school, work etc.

Last weekend, our church organized an Indian Food Festival as a way to connect with the community. I was very busy helping out Sylvia with the cooking and preparation. Bec, my wonderful friend suggested to me to drop Ashley off at her place for a couple of hours so I can concentrate on helping Sylvia. I did and I was surprised Ashley stayed at Bec's for the entire 3 hours! She even refused to come home with me at the end of it. Bec told me she never cry one bit and was perfectly well behaved. I was so proud of my girl. Watching her playing with Harry, I suddenly realised that my girl is growing up to another level. Today at Bible Study, I asked her if she would like to play with her friends at the creche. She said yes and stayed down at the hall for 2 hours. This is the first time I could concentrate 100% on the Bible study with no distraction. It was such a feat, every mother in the BS was "celebrating" the moment.

Ashley still has got a couple of things to learn in the near future. Toilet training is one of my top priority. Yes, I might be anxious for her to reach the next milestone, but I have learned from this experience that a child learns at his or her own pace. There is no need to rush them, just gentle coaxing and they will get there in their own time.

Looking at her now, sitting next to me and eating her nuggets, I am filled with a surge of pride. My girl is growing up, and what a fine girl she is.....;-)