Enjoy them while you are able. Take heart in the fact that they will never leave your lives completely. You will be proud when you set them free and see that they are operating on the value system that you gave to them.

Awww! *hugs* I understand this completely. Our youngest just got two more teeth and is crawling and pulling himself up. I feel like just yesterday we were leaving the hospital with him, trying not to panic. Thank you for reminding me to not wish away these moments.

It is bittersweet. I often wish I could turn back the clock and do it all over again, and at times I sit and try to remember what it was like at any given year, and while I sometimes can recall a few specifics, for the most part is has just passed in a continuous blur, seemingly at warp speed. Time stops for no one though, and the bright side is that for everything you feel like you have missed or lost by them getting older, the same getting older also brings new and different joys that you wouldn't trade away for anything either. Parenthood is a progression and each step is a one time deal. There is no watching and taking pride in a young adult head out for their first day of college without there having been a first day of pre-school, but when both are gone, you don't get to rewind the clock and enjoy them again.

I totally understand, people always say to me your going to miss these years and I already miss the earlier ones. I am absolutely not looking forward to when he goes to preschool next year.

My second starts pre-k on Tuesday. I feel nothing but excitment for her. She is extremely outgoing, so I think she's going to love it. But I also have two more little ones at home. I can see myself feeling the same way you do once #4 starts pre-k.

I know how you feel. Watching kids grow, become adults, to make their own decisions and mistakes is something every parent goes through. But I promise you, as adults they will be more fun, you can do more with them and have more fun with them. For each stage they go through and complete another opens up for both of you. You are the parent, the coach and the guide. Look forward and keep the path as clear as you can, but understand you will not see some things coming and it is not your fault. Love them, guide them and have fun with it. Do not be afraid to let them fail, they will eventually succeed. I mean after all they are walking and potty trained now, right? You have succeeded.