I just realized that within the last six days, she has made me sob in frustration and she has nearly pushed me to the brink, but she has also made me tear up with pride, and howl with laughter.

I know I’m hard on her. I always expect more, and the best, from her. She pushes my buttons faster than you can say “Time-out. Now!” And I often forget that she is only six – that she is still a little girl.

But then I get a glimpse of her through the eyes of one of my friends. And my eyes are opened. Singing Taylor Swift into a spatula at the top of her lungs in the middle of the kitchen. Helping the younger kids as they all dance around. My friend looks at me through teary eyes and says, “She is awesome. That is the sweetest thing!” And then I look, I mean really look at her.

And then, I wonder. What other little moments do I just take for granted each day? What else am I missing as I’m impatiently asking her to do something for the tenth time? What will I miss the most when she is all grown up and gone?

I just need to be reminded that every bit of drama that comes with having a six-year old girl, is rewarded two-fold with love and fun.

I’m vowing to head into this week with my eyes wide open. I don’t want to miss a thing.