Growing Up

Everyday, in so many ways I'm reminded that my babies are growing up.

Usually it hits me the hardest whenever it's something that happens to either Adrianne or Maxton, my bookends.

This time it was Adrianne.

Awhile ago, Adrianne told me that she wanted a new backpack. Her old one was blue, which is her favorite color, and had a picture of Tinkerbell on it. It has worn pretty well, so doesn't look ragged or out of shape, especially for how old it is.

I asked her why she wanted a new backpack, and she replied, "Mommy, I just don't want a character on my backpack anymore. It's too baby-ish."

My heart sank. Too baby-ish? How can ANYTHING be too baby-ish for MY baby.  Obviously I am in some serious denial that my eldest child is growing up.

I told Adrianne I understood, because I do, even if I don't like it!  I also told her that SHE would have to buy it with her own money. She agreed.

Whenever we would visit a store, she would ask to go look at the backpacks. I encouraged her to be patient and wait until they went on clearance, so she would get more bang for her buck.  But my sweet girl has such a hard time hanging onto money once it's in her possession. It was really tough for her to wait it out.

When I finally heard word that Target was beginning to put their school supplies on clearance, Adrianne and I made sure to check back frequently. We were waiting on their backpacks to go down to 70% off. For the longest time they held their price at only 30% off. Adrianne was starting to become disheartened, thinking that the backpacks were NEVER going to get any cheaper. I told her to trust me and hang on. It was hard, but she did.

Finally the last time we checked back, we went to the back of the store where the school stuff had been and discovered that EVERYTHING had been replaced by Halloween merchandise. Adrianne was devastated. In fact, I could see tears forming in her eyes. She said dramatically, "I knew we waited too long. Now I will NEVER have a new backpack."

But I knew that wasn't the case. There had been far too many backpacks the time before and I knew they hadn't sold them all. I figured they just moved them. I told Adrianne to follow me and we went to a different section of the store and found the clearance backpacks. Adrianne was so relieved!

After looking through the clearance selection, she finally settled on a really nice bag. It was originally priced at $45, but she purchased it for $13.50. I must admit, it is a really nice backpack and is probably more bag than she will ever need.

The print and color scheme of the bag is so grown up and mature looking.  I think it will be a great bag for her to continue to grow into.

 She LOVES it, and I'm proud of her for being patient and waiting so long to buy it.