My 5-year-old daughter and I were driving to the grocery store last weekend, chatting as usual when the subject of age (or was it babies) came up.

Kelly talked excitedly about getting bigger and older and the things she'd be able to do (go to Kindergarten, etc.) and I remarked that I didn't want her to get any bigger or any older.

"I want you to stay my little girl forever, Kelly. I'll be so sad when my girls grow up and I don't have any babies to hold anymore. What will I do when I can't carry you anymore? I don't want you to get bigger. I want you to stay small so I can hold you forever."

She was quiet for a few seconds and then she said, "Well, Mommy, that's just not going to happen. I have to get bigger -- it's just what happens. You can't stop it."

No, I can't. And, I'm not even sure I would if I could.