Keeping Our Cool...

Before we begin our usual rants we have a few things to address.

We are encouraging all of our readers to look to the right and link up.

First- Uncle Jordan has been host to many a hair quandry, and now he's taking his folicular talents to a very selfless level. Support his "balding for Dollars" which not only ensures that we'll get to see his scalp come April, but that kids who are dealing with the brave quest of battling cancer can get as much help as we can give them. Carli and Joseph have already donated to the cause and hope to coax you to do the same.

If you prefer some immediate gratification with your charity, then all you Montrealers have to get to m:brgr asap! What happens when you combine outstanding food, a great atmosphere, with 5% of all profits going to Montreal Childrens Charities? A very satisfied tummy and soul. What are you waiting for? Check out their link. To the right...up a little... go on...we'll still be here when you are done browsing...

Welcome back!

Wow, almost two. Hard to believe that 23 months have passed with our spritely pair, but due to their pitch-perfect stage-hitting talents, there is no mistaking that two is a very busy and unpredictable number. High on the priority list is keeping cool- for mom and dad at least. Perhaps the most challenging is staying calm NOT while the tantrums are erupting, but while self-expression is taking place.

At this point we've learned to tune out the tantrums; but what we're still learning is how not to laugh when Joseph and his budding vocabulary use clenched fists, a very loud DDAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!! and stomping feet to say something like: "Get those stupid waffles off my plate!"

Or not completely melting when Carli begs to bring her stuffed animals into the bathtub; with pouts and puppy dog eyes pleas to throw them into the bubbly water.

Or not cracking up when Joseph resembled a slingshot running into mom and dad's room and hitting the bed with such force he bounced back at least two feet. (His recovery was immediate; we are grateful there were so many pillows around so we could hide our faces with them...)

Or not screaming back when Carli plays backseat DJ in the car and screams for the 25th repetition of her favorite song...

Well, the upside is that mom and dad can now probably "method actor" to our already diverse parenting resume.

And then there's the obvious upside of getting to spend lots of time with them. Which involves a lot more laughter than keeping it cool. Aside from enjoying their verbal talents, there's the personality vault that opens a little more each day. When Joseph gives a wink and a nod, you know he's just run off with a cookie that belonged to Carli. Or when Carli starts kicking up her right leg, she's trying to copy the famous "Daddy Dance".

Well, we're going to take a few deep breaths and gear up for Birthday #2. We hope to see you next month!