Sugar and Spice

Somewhere in the last couple of weeks a very subtle transition occurred.  Bit by bit, my baby has become an almost big little girl. 
We went on a family road trip-I was nerve wracked about her routine and how she (and we) would do without it.  She did fabulously-slept in beds (with foam or rolled towel bumpers), napped whenever (or almost not at all), and ate her food ( a miracle, actually-the last few months of medical attention warranted by her small stature can attest to that).
Now that we're home-she is still eating, has transitioned into her toddler bed, and is having conversations with me.  "Let's go, Ever-let's get in the car."  "I'm coming, Mommy."
Amazing, that's what it is.  As much as I dreaded this time in her development, because it would mean that I'm losing her babyhood, I'm so filled with joy seeing her moments of shining pride in her new abilities that any dread is eclipsed in that light.  I love that she is finally able to communicate with me all the thoughts that are floating around in that amazing mind of hers.  I've become closer with her-more like we're hanging out with each other.  Of course, this is accompanied by disagreements and moments of fierce love-but I am basking in it. 
Thinking about her yesterday, I became aware that in her case, the spice that makes her girly sugar and spiciness is definitely cayenne...but, then-what should I have expected after years of putting crushed red pepper on practically anything edible!  She is a fierce little sprite-may I always give her enough room to cultivate the independence glimmering on the surface of her developing sense of self.