This Song Perfectly Captures the Pain of How Fast Kids Grow Up

Nichole Nordeman's video for the song "Slow Down" is the perfect anecdote for any mom whose kids are going through a particularly tough stage. Because after you watch it, you'll seriously want to stay right where you are, instead of pressing "fast forward" through the sleepless nights, or toddler tantrums.

The video begins with a mom clutching newborn twins. All too soon a baby is seen crawling, then we watch babies taking their first steps. We see toddlers and preschoolers enjoying the simple pleasures of life, like being pushed on a swing and finding a dandelion.

"It's all too fast," Nordeman sings. She pleas for everything to just slow down.

The video races through kids' various milestones, from losing a tooth to riding a scooter to celebrating a birthday... to graduating and getting married!

And it's brutal, because as you watch this beautiful video, of course you're picturing your own children in those moments you wanted to live in forever, as well as at those stages you thought would never end. But those stages will soon feel like a blip in your mind, whether you can believe that or not.

My children are now 7, 5 and 2. Where did the time go? I have no idea, but I do know it went too fast. It's literally heartbreaking. I so wish I could hit the "pause" button and just keep my kids the ages they are right now. I'm loving where each of them are, and I don't want them to grow up anymore and not need me. I love that they all still wear footie pajamas, and believe in the Tooth Fairy. I love how they squeal with delight when they go down the slide. Every. Time. I love how they watch cartoons and think marshmallows are the best thing in the world. I love that they don't have cell phones or slam doors yet. And how they still want mommy when they fall down.

Okay, I have to go curl into a ball and cry now. Bye-bye.

While I do that, check out Nordeman's explanation of her inspiration for "Slow Down," from her Facebook page:

"I don't know of a more uttered or whispered phrase from a mother of any age, about her child of any age, than 'It's going by too fast.' I feel like I spend my life trying to slow time. Trying to celebrate the growth and the milestones of my children, and then secretly day dreaming about building a time machine in my garage, so I can return to rocking my babies at midnight. If you've ever looked at your child running across a field, or striding across a graduation stage, or walking down the middle aisle of a church clutching a bouquet, you'll know why this song is special to me. Please enjoy the video below, remembering the moments we wish we could slow down, and sharing them with those we love most."

Melissa Willets is a writer/blogger and a mom. Follow her on Twitter (@Spitupnsuburbs), where she chronicles her love of exercising and drinking coffee, but never simultaneously.