I read a parenting quote several years ago that said "Parenting: The days are long, but the years are short." It sure rang true back then when I was up to my elbows in formula, had two kids in diapers and a full-time job and was frequently heard muttering "this too shall pass, this too shall pass...." Seems every day back then was a struggle just to get through it and get everything done and everyone's needs taken care of. I reminded myself,constantly, to stop and enjoy my babies because they wouldn't be babies for long.

Now, five years later, not much has changed about the daily struggle to get things done -- except I no longer deal with diapers and formula. The girls are a little more self-sufficient now, but it comes with a price -- namely independent streaks that cause them to automatically challenge everything I say or tell them to do, particularly with the 4-year-old.

Today, my oldest child turns 6. She'll start Kindergarten in less than 5 weeks. Every day she loses more of her babyish looks. Her curly ringlets of youth are gone -- replaced by long, golden wavy locks. Her chubby baby cheeks have thinned and her face has taken on a more mature look. I can no longer carry her if she falls asleep in the car and she can't sit on me for more than a few minutes; my girl has outgrown me.

Even though these days (and girls) can be challenging and every day is still an endless stream of work -- from 4:45 a.m. till I collapse at 11 p.m. -- I try not to wish these years away because, indeed, the years are short.

It still seems like yesterday:

This was yesterday: