Close to You

Annika will be 5 next month, and I already feel her pulling away a little more every day.  She's becoming more independent and asking for help less and less.  Cuddle time is shorter than ever before and I have to ask for goodbye kisses most days as she sprints out the door to go to preschool.  Her walk is more confident and her choices more calculated, which are both great things for the most part.  It doesn't pain me yet, but I see it coming miles down the road.  I relish every moment that she's still my little girl who wants to cuddle up on the couch and help me cook in the kitchen.
On Monday I came home from working after the girls were already in bed.
I walked in the door to find this:
Annika had placed her shoes inside of my shoes.  I love the smallness of the gesture and the adorable way she explained it to me the next morning.  She was so proud, and it made me smile both times.
Then I went upstairs to find this:
Annika had placed her toothbrush next to mine in the holder.  When I asked her why she said, "I just want to be close to you."  Me too love, me too.