Changes

We have recently reached a major milestone in our home--we don't have to have "the bag" with us at all times when we're away from home. We obviously started out with the diaper bag when Anna was a baby that had everything in it but the kitchen sink. This eventually emerged into a feeding station with solid foods plus bottles. After Anna started eating more adult foods, I found a smaller bag to hold diapers, wipes, a bib and utensils, and some miscellaneous toys. This bag has been with us for a while. Just recently, Anna has mastered the art of adult utensils, can easily drink from a cup with a straw, and likes most things on any kids menu. Plus, she is needing her diaper changed less times a day. Add all that together and you reach the stage when you can actually walk into a restaurant or the mall or wherever and not take "the bag" with you. How liberating? I only have to keep up with my child now. What's strange is that this seems both wonderful and sad at the same time. Our little girl is growing up.