Back when I didn’t have kids, I’d hear those who did say, “They grow up so fast,” and think it was just one of those mindless things people say to hear themselves talk. And it may well have been. But now I know it’s also one of the truest things ever said.

I had two experiences in the past few days that highlighted the fact. The first was when I brought back something the Reverend Doctor Vinoski Sweetness and I used to do when he was a toddler, called Up Please – Climb Please – Upside Down Please. It’s fairly self-explanatory; I’d sit on the couch and he’d climb into my lap (standing — yes, that could be painful) and say each phrase in turn. I’d lift him by his legs straight into the air, then drop him over onto the cushions. Then I’d hold his hands while he climbed onto my shoulders, and I’d drop him again. Finally he’d put his hands on my shoulders, I’d grab him by the legs and turn him upside down, and drop him again.

So, no, he’s not so big I can’t do it anymore. (In fact, it’s twice as fun now that Bug can do it too.) But he used to say — like Bug does now — “Up pwease… cwimb pwease — upside down pwease.” But I learned upon reviving the game that he can say his Ls now. When did that happen?

Then yesterday I got up early and started work on the last steps to finish a stained glass panel I’ve been working on for my Mom for years. (Literally.) It took a while, and the boys each got up. And did their own thing while I worked. I didn’t have to break stride once. When did they get old enough to take care of themselves in the morning?

It’s scary. And cool. And scary.