Little Dancer

I knew my little girl was growing up very fast. But it literally took my breath away when we put her in her new Ballet outfit. She suddenly looked so much older than I thought of her. I seem to forget that she's just few days shy of being a Three-year old and she shows it in every way. She's no longer a baby. She's not even a toddler. She's a bonified child. We signed her up for a little Ballet class for this January and she is excited times ten. Everyday she's been saying "Mommy, I want to go to a Ballet class." When she finally saw her new outfit last night (courtesy of Danskin.com), she had to put them on right away. She could not stop dancing rest of the night. She seemed to have learned to spin and be on her tip toes. Things my Mom taught her during the day, I'm sure. Her first class is next Tuesday. By then, she will be officially three-years old since her Birthday is this Sunday.
As a mother, I feel a little conflicted. I'm excited that my baby is turning three. She will be at an age when she can be more independent and do more "big girl" (aka such as going to a Ballet class) things. But at the same time I cannot help feeling a bit sad. Where has time gone? I almost teared uplooking at her dancing and looking so grown, and ever so beautiful.