Old Enough to Know

Big Sissy lost her first tooth today. She's only 5, and that seems way too early to me. But I think I just don't want her to grow up. The new tooth pushing in seems WAY too large for a small child. I think that will be an issue for the orthodontist in a few years. But it is a huge deal. She acts older now, and wiser. Tonight we had this conversation:

Mommy, don't you think I'm old enough to handle the truth now?
What do you mean?
I mean about where the Christmas stocking presents come from. I'm 5 years old, and I've already lost a tooth. I think I'm old enough to know.

Wow....[stunned]

And also, is the tooth fairy real or pretend? I'm thinking pretend because why in the world would someone want all those children's teeth?
Me: Maybe she lives in a really cool castle made out of teeth.
Big Sissy: That's gross.
Me: You're right. That is gross.
Big Sissy: And also, I'm a big girl now. My head is very heavy when I sleep. There's no way a little fairy could lift my head up to get the tooth out and put money under my pillow.
Me: Maybe she sprinkles magic fairy dust on you to lift you up for a minute.
Big Sissy: Or maybe it's all pretend.
Me: Maybe. But can we keep pretending for a while? Isn't it kind of fun?
Big Sissy: Only a little.

This girl is way too practical. Just the facts, ma'am. Just the facts. And yet every night she wants to hear an adventure story about Lila (her favorite Webkinz) and Honey (the Webkinz that is waiting for her at Dillard's when she earns enough money from making beds and losing teeth). Growing up is confusing!