Real or Make-Believe....

Tonight, Kirra lost her second tooth.  This tooth has been hanging on for over a week but she would only let me have one tug a night.  So, knowing that, I made sure I tugged so it would finally come out.  She was so excited.  We were down on the couch and Grandma Nettie and Grandpa Geoff got to watch the whole scenario play out.  We took a couple of pics and then it was time for her to go to bed.  As I was tucking her, the conversation began...

Kirra:  I know the Tooth Fairy isn't real.

Me:  Why do you think that?

Kirra:  Because I just know.  It is the same with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

Me:  (In utter shock that my six year old is having this conversation with me)  Why do you think that?  Has someone told you that?

Kirra:  I just know that you are the one who buys the presents at Christmas and you are the one who buys the stuff for our Easter basket.  And you are the one who must take my tooth and then leave me money.

Me:  (About to cry over the lost innocence of it all).  Sometimes it is fun to make-believe.

Kirra:  I just want to know the truth.  Tell me the truth.

Me:  Are you sure you want to know the truth?

Kirra:  I know.  Just tell me.

Me:  (Somewhat hesitantly...)  Mommy is the Tooth Fairy.

And at that moment, she seems all grown up and has lost the "magic" of the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, and the Easter Bunny all at once.  I mean, she knows the real meaning of Christmas and Easter but she has always played along a little bit.

And then, she bursts into tears.  And I feel like bursting into tears (which maybe I got a little teary). And then we hug and I feel like I don't want to let go, ever.

Sweet Dreams,
Sleep Tight,
I love you, my Princess.
Good Night.

And just like that, I feel like she is so much older, and I smile and yet tears fill my eyes.