Gen, exactly! That's exactly what I'm beginning to realize. I need to separate my own pain and fears from hers, and see them for what they are.

Liz, thank you for saying that—I do feel like I have a pretty special daughter. And you're right about parenting being one of the greatest and hardest things. It takes work and offers amazing rewards. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Meredith, it's funny, I felt like I was painting such a flat, limited portrait of Q! I didn't even begin to touch on her fanatical love for books, for instance (something I know you appreciate). :) But I'm glad what I did write communicated a sense of who Q is. It's hard, when you know someone so well, to accurately begin to represent who she is.

Carmen, you are too sweet. I honestly don't think I'm the right person to write a parenting book, but I promise you can call or email me with questions, whenever you want. :)

jen, are we really old enough to have 12-year-olds? I'm glad you brought up the joy of what's to come—all that we'll share with our daughters as our relationships with them evolve. That's a good thing to keep in mind. My relationship with my mom just keeps getting better.