They grow up so fast

Two weeks ago today, I was introduced to my new baby girl. She weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces. Although her brother came in at an even 8 pounds four and a half years ago, she felt so much smaller and more fragile. I wonder if it's because girls seem more delicate anyway?

Holding my little girl in my arms, then picking up her brother, I suddenly became extremely aware of the fact that he is no longer a baby. *sad face*

The differences in my newborn and my oldest suddenly made me conscious of the fact that he's growing up...and fast!

He now tops the scales at just under 40 pounds, and stand in at approximately 39 inches tall -- which is still too short for all the good rides at the Delta Fair by the way, a fact that he was not happy about last month.

My little boy has become a big boy, complete with a hair style that he picked out. No longer is he content with rattles and blankies. He now wants the biggest, most feature-packed superhero toys he can find.

Earlier this year, he started preschool. Yesterday, we went to our first parent-teacher conference. Mrs. Bell said he is doing very well. He even helps her with some errands.

Next year, he will enter kindergarten. After that, the next 12 years will more than likely fly by, and before we know it, we will be sending our baby boy to college. I assume a local college judging from a recent event while watching "Toy Story 3," the one where Andy moves away to go to college. (Quick version of the story: He asked his mom if you have to go to college when you get older. Mom replies, "It's better if you do." He gets upset, latches onto his mother saying, "I don't want to move away." It was a tear-jerker.)

To top it off, he recently hit a growth spurt and his clothes are starting to get too small.

My baby boy is becoming a little man. I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad about it. Probably a little bit of both. How much longer will he be a "daddy's boy?" How long until his friends are the primary focus in his life? Or his girlfriend? Today, he tells me I'm his best friend. I'm not ready for that to end.

Here's to holding on to them for as long as we can.

George Anderson is the managing editor of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.