Bittersweet

The adjective I've used to describe my children growing older, more often than not, is bittersweet. I have embraced every stage, every journey, most challenges (!) of my children's lives. Two have been seen off to their first day of kindergarten. Two have lost their first teeth. They've grown from the infant, to toddler, to big kid department in clothing stores (almost). Three have been put in big kid beds. My baby is at preschool for the first time. While I embrace all of this as part of the deal, it doesn't always make happy. I want to freeze frame where we are today and maybe even go back a bit and here's an example of why:
I sauntered into my third grade daughter's classroom yesterday, went to embrace and kiss her (per usual wherever we are) and I was given the cheek. Yes, her arms wrapped around me for a hug, but the kiss was obviously diverted. Her friends were around, I get it. However, I made a mental note to ask her about it at home. I know she was glad to see me. I know she loves when I volunteer in her classroom. Yet she is getting older. She can no longer be seen receiving or giving a kiss to her mother (yes, we're a lip-kissing family). At least not around her peers.
I moved on. It didn't get me down. It didn't spoil my day. But I did ponder why? Have I smothered her with hugs and kisses and now she's rejecting them? Did I have bad breath? Was her PB and J not perfect? Did she simply not want a kiss?
I found it interesting that when she came home from school, she gave me a bigger hug than usual. She told me she loved me. She complimented me on my outfit. She asked how my day was. She offered to help with dinner. She thanked me for volunteering in her class and asked when I'd be in there again.
My heart was happy. I recognize it's just another piece of her growing up. I may not get the PDA as frequently, but I'm still getting them at home. For that I should be thankful...I know it won't be forever...Bittersweet.