Kathryn and Santa

And just like that....Kathryn knows about Santa.  Last night when putting her to bed, she asked me point blank, "Mom, is Santa real?  I want to know the truth so be honest.  And, I won't tell Kaden."  My heart broke...I seriously wanted to cry.  I knew this day was coming, but I just didn't think it would be last night.  Kyle and I explained to her that we all believe in our home.  When we asked her what she thought about Santa, she said she thought we bought their gifts and set them out.  Kyle told her she was correct.  She was not sad or upset.  I think she has wondered for a couple of years now, so I think that took the shock factor away.  We took this time to explain to her the magic of the season and believing.  And further explained that Christmas was the time to share with others about the birth of Jesus, and that was the real miracle of the season. 

This morning she woke up and the questioning continued..."Mom, Buddy the Elf is not real, is he?"  We asked what she thought.  She said she thought we moved Buddy each night.  Kyle told her she was correct.  After a few seconds, she said she had some ideas for Buddy this year.  There is no doubt that Buddy will be very creative this year (with Kathryn in charge!). 

Next she asked about the Easter Bunny...yep, she was correct on that too...no real bunny.

She hasn't asked about the Tooth Fairy yet.  I assume that will happen when she loses her next tooth. 

And what brought all of this on???  PINTEREST!  Yep, Pinterest!  She loves Pinterest for crafting ideas.  She was searching Christmas DIY Projects and came across the pin that said "4 Ways to Tell Your Child About Santa".....darn you Pinterest!  I really thought we had this last Christmas for her to believe.  Kyle and I knew we would tell her after this Christmas because I didn't want her to go to Middle School believing and being made fun of.  And, we wanted to be the ones to tell her and talk to her about it.  So, I guess this was just the time for her. 

I know she has to grow up, but man, it is hard on this Momma!  I cherish all the moments and milestones we meet, but sometimes I do want time to slow down just a little.