Where does the time go?

I've been hearing this a lot lately as I hunt down former co-workers and long lost friends to be professional and personal references for the job hunting that I've been doing lately.  This is always their reaction to hearing how old Caeden, my 7 year old son, is now.  :-)  :-)  After thinking about it for a bit, I think I know how to answer this question.  :-)  :-)

We all know that there are times when time seems to slow down for us, as well as speed up.  Below are a few examples of when times seems to change:

1.  Time slows down during labor.  Especially when it's a difficult and long labor.

2.  Time speeds up as you watch your newborn discover the world around him.  Discovering his hands for the first time, his foot - and having to try to taste that foot as well.  :-)

3.  Time slows down during each night time feeding and diaper changing during those first few months.

4.  Time speeds up during those few precious minutes of sleep when the baby is actually asleep as well.

5.  Time slows down when you have to put your baby in time-out for the first time.

6.  Time speeds up when you get those adorable baby hugs and kisses.

7.  Time slows down while the bus pulls away from the stop for the very first time with your baby inside.

8.  Time speeds up during birthday parties, Christmas and summer vacations as you spend time with your kiddo.

9.  Time slows down when a difficult homework assignment makes your kid grumpy and starts to cry, yet you need to be firm and consistent to make sure it gets done.

10.  Time speeds up on weekends when you get to sleep in or get woken up earlier than normal for cuddle and play time with your kiddo.

11.  Time slows down when your baby gets sick - with the simple cold or with a diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder which caused so much weight loss.

12.  Time speeds up when you realize that your baby no longer sounds like a baby in his pronunciation or speech.  He sounds like a real person!

13.  Time slows down during the few quiet moments after bed time for the kiddo but before your own bed time.

14.  Time speeds up as you run around each morning trying to get lunches packed, breakfast made and hair tame and still hope that your kid picked out a decent outfit to dress in for school.

Now these are just a few examples of how time speeds up and when it slows down.  My personal theory is that most of the fun and good times usually feel like time passes by too fast.  So, as a parent you find yourself wondering where the heck time has gone - I see it as a sign that there have been more good times during your kids childhood.  :-)  :-)

So, where did the time go?  I'm happy to ask and answer that question!  :-)  :-)