Everywhere I look, there are signs. The signs that's she's growing up are like confetti falling from the sky. Everywhere, falling to my feet in a colorful puddle of reminders.

She buttons her own fluffy, white coat.

The diapers are gone, replaced by a rainbow of tiny underwear.

A Dora obsession is a dark figment of my memory.

The jars of baby food in the pantry wait for a cat's tongue, rather than the toothless grin of a chubby infant.

She spends more time planning her fifth birthday party than she does talking about Bert and Ernie.

And now, an era has ended. Where once a list of Disney Princesses meant chatter about Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Cutey, now it has been replaced by a more grown-up choice of words.

Cinderella.

Snow White.

Sleeping Beauty.

So long, Sleeping Cutey. I will miss the smiles you brought to my face each time Alexis incorrectly uttered your name.

I'll just stand here, continuing to watch the confetti fall, knowing that "makery books" will eventually transform into "cook books." I just hope it doesn't happen too soon.