playground milestone

So I don't tend to think of myself as a panicky mom when it comes to Claire getting hurt- what I mean is I know she is going to fall and get some scrapes and bruises and I know I can't protect from eating dirt. However I may have waited a bit to long to let Claire do something at the playground...

Today she went down the big twisty tunnel slide by herself!! To me this is a big milestone. I haven't let her go down them so far b/c I was afraid she would get stuck and I would have to get her and I don't like those slides. However, considering how much fun she had and the squealing that occurred- I should have sucked it up and let her do it before now!! She loved it and I loved listening to her laugh and enjoy it.

It's also a big milestone for me b/c once again it is one of those reminders that she is growing and now as a toddler is NOT a baby anymore which I think every mother misses. While I am loving each stage and enjoying each stage I still miss the ones that have passed.

I know some of you will read this and think "well that just means you're ready for the next one"- and I have thought of that but not quite yet. I want her to follow basic instructions better and we would love more space. ( I will be happy if we decide to stay in the apt for another year if we need to- but having more space would make having another baby a lot easier too!).

Anyway, we had lots of fun at the playground today and can't wait to go back.