Ok – maybe Miracle is a strong word….but you know, sometimes a small step forward for your child can feel like you have donned a cape and danced over the buildings of disrespectful and non-listening children?

That’s what happened this morning.

My sweet girl did something she has never done before.

After getting herself dressed….she went downstairs (all by herself mind you – no prodding), packed her lunch, packed her backpack and put on her socks and shoes.

I know you might be thinking – ‘big flippin’ deal, Danielle’. But it is.  It is huge.  It is monumental.

She came back upstairs and said, “Mommy, I have something to tell you…I’m all packed and ready for school.  All I have left to do it put on my coat.”

I paused.

This caliber of news deserves a pause, I tell you.

I glanced down and tilted my head – trying to see if she looked as different as she suddenly felt to me.  Except for the grin splitting her little face?  Nope – same Delaney.

She was so proud.  I was so proud.

And I promise you, she is going to know how proud I am – every single minute I am with her today.

This is a child who normally needs to be told 6-7 times, “please put your shoes on.”  And she has NEVER, I repeat, NEVER packed her own lunch and backpack – at least without tremendous prompting.

It is only Monday, and yet:

Mommy – 1, World – 0.