As we round in to the final stretch of 2012, I can’t help but reflect on what has been an incredibly eventful year.

We cheered local athletes as they represented the United States at the Olympic Games in London, and watched with baited breath as the NASA rover Curiosity landed successfully on Mars. We witnessed the downfall of both CIA Director David Petraeus and Elmo, the rise of Korean superstar PSY, and rediscovered the thrill of Redskins football. We engaged in epic political battles at every level and endured some seriously intense weather patterns—including the recent Hurricane Sandy.

On a personal level, 2012 has been just as momentous.    

Our little family grew by one, making us a not-so-little family of five. My 2-year-old (who started the year without words) now speaks in small sentences and takes ballet. My 4-year-old swims independently, flys like the wind on her balance bike and has her first sleepover away this weekend.

My mom regularly reminds me that kids grow up quickly. It’s like an inevitable time-warp coined “parenthood,” that is both beautiful and tragic. For me, the concept stirs an equal mix of panic and enthusiasm.

Am I savoring each moment adequately? Probably not.

Will I remember all the tiny details that I treasure, like the feel of my baby’s fuzzy head, the way my 2-year-old pronounces her sister’s name or the priceless expression on my 4-year-old’s face when she’s really determined? No, but I’ll still try.

Will it fly by too fast? Absolutely.

I can’t slow time, but seeing my children grow and develop is an incredible blessing. I’m coming to realize that, while the moments are priceless, the nature of the journey is what makes them so beautiful.

I wish you the best of memory-making this holiday season, and look forward to continuing this adventure in 2013.