when my kids get older I will...

I've read a lot of parenting articles/advise over the years that kept repeating the same thing. Basically, "don't spend you're time wishing away these labor intensive ages and phases - they will be gone all too soon as it is." I've tried hard to follow this line of thinking and enjoy the moments we're actually living in.

However, I just have to take a moment to acknowledge that FOR THE FIRST TIME (!!!) I really, actually, truthfully, do love the ages and stages of my kids right now. Potty trained? Check. Can get their own snacks (and sometimes their own breakfast)? Check. Dress themselves, read to themselves (almost) and play outside alone? Check, check and check. Still want a hug and kiss goodnight? Yup. Hold my hand to cross the street? Uh-huh. Giggle, tickle, cuddle and tease? Sure do!

Sometimes a phrase or look jumps right out of the Junior High onto my 7 year-old's face. My 5 year-old runs around singing, "weeeee are neber, neber, neber getting back togeber!"

I guess I'm saying, that for as hard as I've always tried to live that great advise, I'm finally understanding it.