Time flies when you're having kids

So, we're T-minus 2 days until Rowan turns nine. I know each year I end up stunned at how quickly the last has gone by, and I suppose this is normal (at least to hear all the other parents talk, and to think about all the boring things adults used to say when I was a kid), but it still surprises me. I wonder when that will stop - will I ever get to the point that I just expect each year to pass in the time it feels a month should have? Is there a stage in aging where suddenly again the days seem to drag for endless hours and two months until xmas seems a lifetime? Now, there are some nice things about having a nearly nine year old around - they're generally able to reason (even if they have to be walked through the process) and are less likely to dissolve into hysterical fits over every little thing (on the other hand, the oncoming onslaught of hormones does poke its ugly head out every how and again reminding us that changes are a-comin'). They don't have to be carried everywhere, but they're not yet embarrassed to give you a hug in public. You can travel without a huge bag full of toys and changes of clothing when going out for the day, and you don't yet have to worry that what you're wearing will cause eye rolling and cries of exasperation. You don't have to worry about them spending ages in the bathroom either being potty trained or putting on make up (although Rowan already can spend eons in there working on... er, "styling" as she puts it.. her hair). But it sort of makes me sad because I know how close childhood is to ending. It's like the early days of autumn... I love getting to wear sweaters again, but I can't help but be a little sad to realize that soon we'll be up to our eyeballs in snow. In this case, it's up to our eyeballs in gossip and lipgloss and boys, of course. Besides that, things remain busy, which is good since it keeps me out of trouble! (Click on the photo if you'd like to see it larger, or explore our other Flickr photos.)