The 3 Letter Word

So lately Bella has started calling me something that truly bothers me. I think it is disrespectful, spiteful and over-all tacky. Ok...a little dramatic, however it does really bother me. So...what is it?

Mom

That's right. My tiny, sassy, un-tamed daughter with the largest vocabulary I know of any other 2 year old has decided that the term Mommy no longer suits me. I mean I would even take Momma rather than just...Mom.
A few days ago I noticed that every now and then she would refer to me as that 3-letter word that in my mind is what big kids say with a slight tone of embarrassment at the one who brought them into the world right? I mean sweet tiny babies like mine...they don't say Mom. I mean...come on she is too little still for that...right?
So in my quest to re-shape the term chosen by my sweet baby I began correcting her each and every time that she would refer to me as anything besides Mommy. This morning as her and I were laying side by side on my bed, her head propped up on the pillow next to mine and her arm resting on my chest I finally asked her a question that she answered in a way that only she and her Daddy can do which is uniquely satisfying and irritating at the same time...

Bella: I need somfin to eat Mom.
Me (Mommy): Bella, why do you keep calling me Mom? My name is Mommy and I want you to call me Mommy. Got it?
Bella: Nope. Got it...Mom?
Me (Mommy): No Bella, stop calling me that. I don't like it.
There was a change in my tone of voice that she obviously picked up on. I was cranky. She rose off her spot on the bed and propped herself up on one arm while with the other she placed her hand lightly on my forehead.
Bella: Shhhh, sweet boy (ok...we are still working on that part) I love Mom and a Mommy too. Jus welax.

From the mouths of babes folks...
Am I afraid of Bella growing up, sure. Granted Andy and I do treat Bella as if each day she should be headed out the door to go and conquer the world around her. But at the same time what mother doesn't want to keep their little ones in the precious "I need you Mommy" phase just a little bit longer than it actually lasts? But I guess if she never grows up then she would never get to see or become all of the amazing things that I know God has in store for her. So I will take this small step in stride, I mean at least she isn't calling me Emily yet...and if she did, I admit I would probably be begging to be Just Mom again.