A little bit of Independence

I love the 4th of July. It is a true celebration of our unique country and an excuse for parades, good food, friends/family, and fireworks. Our 4th was filled with all of those things-

The National Guard band- we have a few friends that are a part of this great group!

Our friends- part of the Feroli fam.

Greeting Daddy on the parade route - his band was the 65th entry with even more behind them!

I finally got to sneak into a picture, but MC was starting to get a bit hot and tired by this point in the parade.

The Du Plessis crew from South Africa- they surprised my mother-in-law and came to spend a week. We loved hanging out with them by the pool. MC and I got to meet them all for the first time and Adam got to meet his cousin, Jordan (in the middle), for the first time.

Now, the 4th of July has come and gone, but the Independence is truly just beginning. When you have a toddler- independence comes in many forms. Testing boundaries, exploring sounds and sights, practicing things that will become engrained as habits. 

Mama got a little taste of that independence today as the bug didn't feel the need to nurse this morning.  I have only guided weaning by dropping  feedings as I saw she was ready, but today instead of showing her usual interest first thing, she wanted to play and just hang out instead. No motion or indication, no fussiness, just a good morning greeting with some snuggles before breakfast. 

I know the baby phase is quickly passing us by and with each day she is exerting her independence more and more. I teared up a bit at her lack of wanting our morning ritual together and know inside that the bedtime one will soon follow. I am thankful for the bond that we've created over these past 16 months and look forward to what this new found independence will bring to it.