tattoo your face

I’m gonna tattoo your face right here. She points to the space right next to her belly button. What about brother and dada? She points to her back. They’re going back there. I’m saving this special place for you. Granted she’s only six, but that’s one of the unprovoked nicest things anyone has ever said to me. Okay, but make sure you put my name too just in case it doesn’t look like me. Ok.

Today, she gets promoted from kindergarten. It seems like just yesterday she was still wearing diapers and eating purée peas out of a jar. No more afternoon naps. Hello homework and benchmarks. It’s selfish of me to admit this but I’m not ready for her to declare autonomy. I know that sounds a little extreme but they grow up so fast!!! Still, I’m so proud to see her wear the cap and gown. And at the same time, imaging her at eighteen, wearing that cap and gown with a tattoo of my face on her belly.