Madeline as I’m changing Baby Rae’s diaper: “I’m getting bigger and bigger and bigger.”
Me: “Yes, you are.”
Madeline: “I’m growing up.”
Me: “Yes, you are.”
Madeline: “But Daddy doesn’t want me to grow up.”
Me: “Did he tell you that?”
Madeline: “Nam [her codeword for “yes,” rhymes with “mom”].” She pauses for dramatic effect. “But I have to.”
Me, silently, wistfully, to myself, “Yes, you do and it’s happening all too quickly.”