I think being a mom is the hardest job I ever had -- I still have it, and I still think it's the hardest job ever. There is all this responsibility that goes with it -- for the rest of your life! There is no retirement party at the end of the gig. Because there is no end to the gig.

From the moment the little darling appears in to the light, you are on the hook forever. In those early years, you are responsible for keeping her or him clean and fed and happy and healthy and thriving. That's really not as easy as it sounds. Babies are serious business. They're cute and fun, to be sure, but you really want to get it right at this early stage.

Because the next thing you know, they're too big to carry and put them where you want them to be. They start walking and going where they want to go. So then you're running around like mad, baby-proofing everything, testing -- one food at a time -- what they like, what they don't like, what doesn't like them and weaning them from the ba-ba.

So you get that done, and it's time for school. (This parenting business goes by really fast, so I implore you to enjoy it as it is happening.) So the first day of school, the little peanut is excited -- at home. Then you get him or her to the door and the excitement gives way to complete hysteria. And the teacher quietly tells you that Peanut will be fine as soon as you're gone, so you should just mosey on out of the classroom, as nonchalantly as possible. Sure, that will work. Peanut is SCREAMING for you not to go, and you, the mighty adult is just about a puddle, and you have to walk out of the room as if you had not a care in the world. And when you go to pick Peanut up in the afternoon, he or she does NOT want to leave school. EVER. And begins the SCREAMING to stay and for you to leave. And this doesn't stop until you pull in the driveway, turn around and see that the little darling has fallen asleep. All you have to do is get him in the house so he can have a little nap, then it will be dinnertime, then bath time, then bedtime. And you are so happy because you know you get to do it again the next day.

The next day, Peanut is getting ready to graduate from high school. You somehow have managed to get her to school every day, get through first love, first heartbreak, forgotten homework assignments, science fairs, school plays, acne, tears, skinned knees, driving and sports. It's baffling to see that you were bathing Peanut in the kitchen sink, and now he is sending out college applications. All the same day.

Maybe it's good that parenting goes on for your whole life -- because it really does speed by. And if you are a parent, you know that wistful feeling that comes over you on each milestone. It isn't easy AT ALL being a parent, but man, what a ride it is. It's like going on one of those roller coasters that go upside down, backwards and around. It's terrifying, exhilarating, hilarious, joyful and amazing all in one spectacular ride. And you just want to do it again and again and again.

Happy Mother's Day!