They grow up too fast

I'm the father of three wonderful children -- better than I could have hoped for and probably better than I deserved (I'll thank my wife, then). I have two girls, aged 4 and 7, and a son who's 8. I've noticed lately that my son has started to pull away a bit from his parents. My wife was the first to go with, "Mom, you don't have to kiss me goodbye at school." I've noticed lately that whenever I throw him a loving stare, an extended hug, or have him in my lap (tougher these days, as he's growing like a weed), he gets this look of ennui, disinterest, and just a smidgen of disdain. It's obvious to him that he's getting too old for that, and it's only now becoming clear to me. This is tough to digest because it was only a little over 8 years ago that I was holding this 6-week-premature chicken of a baby that fit in my forearm like a football. The pictures I scan through in iPhoto are now only distant memories of a toddler I once knew. One that looked at me like I was his entire world. Mind you, the one thing I hoped for on behalf of my children -- even before I had children -- was a strong sense of independence. It's something I lacked until my early twenties. However, now that he's developing it, I want it taken away, dammit! The consolation of my girls' undying enthusiasm for their father is matched only by my pride in my son's self-determination and self-reliance. I guess this is a long way of telling you who have young children this ... by all means, cherish the times you spend with your children. If you're presented with a choice of spending time with them or not, choose the former. If you must do something that would take you from them, consider taking them with you. Some of the most seemingly mundane moments in adults' lives can fill a child with joy and wonder, like taking them to work. Remember, they're only this age once.