I'm trying ...

Wiser women than I have told me to enjoy the baby years we're in right now. And while I'm trying to, sometimes I wonder ... have they forgotten what it's like to have little ones?

Have they forgotten what it's like to have two crying babies? They seem to set each other off, although sometimes they just both need me at the same time.

Did they enjoy feeling pulled in so many different directions? When Alex is protesting the fact that I'm changing his diaper while Benjamin is crying because I'm not holding him and Ethan is telling me a long drawn-out story, while I remember I forgot to get dinner out of the freezer and the dog is whining to go out, well ... sometimes I want to sit down and cry myself.

Did they not have days they struggled to keep up with the housework and school and meals and diapers? Some days I think that all I really enjoy is bedtime - for me and the boys!

But then I see Alex gently patting Benjamin with a look of intent interest and affection on his little face.

I see Ethan playing with Alex without being prompted to.

I see Benjamin growing so quickly ... I'm already putting baby clothes away.

And I realize that those older, wiser moms haven't forgotten what it's like to have babies in the house. They just remember the sweet, precious moments that really matter, and forget the rest.

My mom is right - the days are long, but the years are short.

So through the fatigue, the whining, the lack of ability to have a complete, uninterrupted conversation ... I'll try to remember to look for those small moments that will make for lasting memories.

And someday, when my house is quiet and I miss the constant chatter ... when I have time to read grown-up books and I've forgotten the words to "Good Night Moon" ... when I won't have to plan phone calls strategically to make sure everyone is either napping or occupied ... maybe I'll find myself telling a frazzled young mom ...

Enjoy these years. They go so fast!