They Grow Up So Fast

I was in Starbucks yesterday with Miles and had a parent of teenagers tell me to enjoy these times -- kids grow up so fast. If I had a nickel for every time we've been told that...

On a day-to-day basis, minutes and hours often seem to tick by so slowly. Why do mealtimes, playtimes, and getting dressed/undressed for the day take absolutely forever, but naptimes pass in a flash?

On the other hand, the weeks, months, and years are moving so quickly. It's difficult to believe that Grace is 2 1/2 and Miles will have his first birthday in a few weeks.

I think we're making a good effort to embrace the joys of each phase of our kids' lives and to keep calm as possible with the frustrations of each phase. Grace and Miles are changing so quickly that neither a stressful stage nor a really fun stage lasts very long and often the stress and fun are part of the same stage. We have a lot to learn in so many areas and want to continue to grow in our ability simply to savor each moment.

Here are a few of the moments we've enjoyed recently -- some time outside during a rare day of good weather, and Grace's first painted fingernails (she found my rarely-used nail polish and wanted to try it out). Incidentally, our color choice was influenced by her desire to match the brown shirts we were both wearing that day. And no, we didn't let Miles eat the rock.