Yesterday was a momentous day for our Madalyn. Not only did she take her very first shower with no assistance (including shampooing and conditioning her hair), I also taught her to tie her shoelaces.

Now, before any passersby are tempted to email me with something along the lines of, "ZOMG! R u kidding? ur still showering ur 7 yr old?!!1! Srsly" I should call attention to Madalyn's unbelievably thick hair. When pulled into a ponytail the ponytail measures 5" around. Her hair, more often than not, is to her shoulders or below. I've simply never felt she would do a sufficient job washing the products out of her hair, thereby ending up with hair that looked grungier than when she'd gone in; and, really, what's the point in that? Not to mention she'd never shown any particular keenness to handle the job herself. I'd given her tips and had her try to rinse her own hair a few times, with supervision, but she only ever made a half-hearted attempt and I'd give up and take over to finish.

Then came yesterday. I told Madalyn it was time for her bath. She complained about it when I told her to go get started (she can turn the water on and adjust the temp herself). I only meant for her to turn on the tap, sit in the tub and wash her body and then I'd be in to do her hair. But, somehow, we moved from that scenario to her doing an entire shower herself. By the time I went in to check on her she was already doing the conditioner. So, knowing when I've been usurped, I left her to it. And she actually did a decent job. I had to wait until her hair dried to eyeball it and see if it looked clean and it does. She's thoroughly proud of herself and has already asked if she can take another shower today. Ohhh, it's starting already.

So, between the bathing and the shoe-tying, I was feeling a bit redundant this morning. I pointed out the two big steps she'd taken yesterday and said, "Wow, Madalyn, you can get your own food, dress yourself, read to yourself, wash yourself and tie your shoes. You don't need me around any more." Did I then receive hasty reassurances that it just wasn't true? No, I did not. Instead, with the air of someone being very charitable, she pointed out, "Well, Johnny and Eliza still do." Maybe so, but not for much longer, apparently.

I wonder how Miss Independence plans to get to basketball camp tomorrow, now that she's so self-sufficient?