2. You need to love them and let them know they are loved. You do this from the very beginning and it gets into their skin and they know they are worthy.

Every bit of what David said, but I am partial to #2! If you didn't worry about getting it all wrong then we would be concerned. You'll be great. Remember that you have a network of loving friends when you get overwhelmed.

Things I don't have this morning: Fever.

Things I do have this morning: An appetite.

So far, so good.

Yay, Dana. I hope your day continues to improve.

We were having a perfect day yesterday until ltc completely melted down for TCG on the way to karate. No camp today and ltc is out with mom now.

That sounds encouraging, Dana.

We really lucked out with the meltdown stuff with the boys. Maybe it made up for them both having horrible colic when they were infants. My theory is they were just so busy they didn't have time for fussing. They always went to work with us, from one week of age. In the office there were a dozen people to distract and occupy them. They went to preschool at 2ish, but came to the office after hours. When they were little punks we were so busy we ate out way too often and I think they just got socialized so early because of always being around so many people. If they tried temper tantrums they likely figured out quickly that I didn't have time for that crap.

ltc is so stubborn. She wants to do everything the same exact way each time and she wants to do it all herself. So if you close the car door for her for example and she wanted to do it, she becomes furious and will not calm down until you open the door again and let her close it. It's exhausting.

Yay Dana!

Aw, ltc. That does sound exhausting.

I think all little ones are exhausting, although some are more so.

One thing - an advice columnist was asked about parenting. The question was that a mother, of a six-year-old and a younger child, both girls, if they had a little boo-boo, she'd put a gel pack on it. Her husband takes the position that she's overindulging them, that they'll need to be tougher and not give in to every little ouchie. The columnist suggested that the mother try to negotiate some kind of compromise - that the husband be more compassionate and the mother let the girls deal more on their own, but that the care at their early ages would set a pattern for the future. That letting the children know that they were cared for was important.

So ... that's my two-cents worth. As a non-parent, what do I know.

And I should say 80% of the time ltc is an absolute joy, telling stories, making pictures, and a very lovable child.

Even when they are in good humor and loving they can be exhausting!

How are you feeling, sj?

I'm still exhausted, and everyone around me is making me feel bad about not feeling better yet.