growing up

I know it was bound to happen. 


Ada getting older. 


Wiser. 


More mature. 


And I know she has a long long way to go, but every so often I have these moments where I realize, really really realize, that she is blossoming into an amazing little girl - no longer a toddler and most certainly not a baby. 


And I LOVE it. 


Don't get me wrong - I loved Ada as a baby, and as a toddler. Even when she was puking all over me and throwing her biggest tantrum of all time - probably more so in those moments. 


But I love watching her watch the world, try it on for size, make judgments for herself about what she likes and what she doesn't. It is fascinating and wonderful all at the same time. 


This morning Ada's favorite cartoon (Dinosaur Train) was wrapping up and everyone's favorite paleontologist was encouraging the kids to 'get outside and explore' I asked Ada if she was going to do some exploring today. 


'No'


'Why not?'


'I don't want to be a a paleontologist' (hello - that's a big word for a 4 year old)


'Why not?'


'There aren't any dinosaur's anymore'


'Well you could study old dinosaur fossils and bones' 


'Yeah, I don't want to do that' 


And there you have it - Ada's first career development conversation. I'm not sure she knows what she wants to do when she grows up, but she is definitely forming ideas as she navigates through life.