As someone who once had a relatively empty fridge door, it has gotten pretty cluttered up since Damian was born. Damian’s latest art, our daily schedule, a developmental milestone chart, a nutrition chart and a tantrum coping checklist. Lists helps me tremendously, the tantrum one is new today because I know that I need to start being more consistent with the power struggle which has arisen recently between toddler and mom.

I’m the first to admit that, even though I love him to pieces, I am sometimes left wondering, Who are you and what have you done with my fun-loving little boy?! Then I breath deeply and repeat what must be a universal parental mantra “it is only a phase…” Though sometimes it is more of a question then mantra.