"Our baby's all grows up"

Though I am, in many ways*, still a kid at heart, I do take note of moments here and there that indicate to me that I am, in fact, growing/grown up. It kind of sneaks up on you, really.

For example, I still have monthly sleepovers with my best girl friends. The four (sometimes five) of us rotate hosting, and there are usually copious amounts of wine drinking and soul-bearing to be had. It's one of the most awesome things ever. In fact, even dudes should partake. You can call it bro-vers. If you want.

But it is particularly during these SOs that I notice some of the differences in our behaviors/preferences that indicate growth and maturity have taken place...

- Everyone is tuckered out by 10pm (well, except me, but that's insomnia, not stamina)

- We do still drink a decent amount (of wine, which is good for you, duh), but only because we know that we're safely home and don't have to drive anywhere (drinking responsibly, yo!)

- We cook actual meals for each other...meals that don't originate in their entirety from a box or a phone call

- Each girl leaves a sweet note upon their departure, thanking the hostess for everything she did, on top of the folded blankets they borrowed the night before

- Despite the sweet note already left, "thank you"s continue to be exchanged via email and text for another three days

- When chatting about "boys," this includes: fathers, brothers, husbands, sons, and bosses. Redefines "boy crazy" a bit, huh?

- Someone always cries...but never because of a crush-gone-bad or the like. (Come to Jesus 2009...and '10)

- We talk about our faith (and struggles with it) at least once per SO

- We can each have conversations with any of the other three without jealousy or suspicion of gossip

Great times with great friends. Recognizing the value of that (above most else) is what growing up is all about.

*I regularly order off the kids menu (if they let me...); I love me some swings; I do a happy dance when thing go well, and throw a straight up hissy fit when they don't; I could still watch Tom & Jerry all day long; I am grumpy on two occasions: when I'm tired and when I'm hungry; I believe that puppies and kitties cure everything, etc...