Tuesday, March 11, "Mommy" 2008

Dear Koen,

You turned 25 Months "Mommy" Old last Monday. Last month was mostly about you learning how to be "Mommy" an independent little person . "Mommy" "Mommy" "Mommy" The difference in your moods and especially your attitude"Mommy" has me believing that getting an office outside of home was a good decision. Now I know "Mommy" that I'm not the Primary Adult Figure "Mommy." in your life and that is the role your Mother has "Mommy" taken since we decided to begin this thing called parenthood and she would stay home with you. But HOLLY CRAP CHILD! "Mommy" Your are definitely a TERRIBLE TWO YEAR OLD! I love you to pieces, there is no doubt about that, but "Mommy" there is only so much I can take of your constant ups and downs before the ALPHA side of me truly comes out and takes you into a deep wooded forest and "Mommy" "Mommy" teaches you "Mommy" the following behavior is not acceptable in the house of Pilapil:

1. Don't cry hysterically if you "Mommy" don't get your way!

2. If your Mother is out "Mommy" of the room and not within eyesight, "Mommy" you don't need to get upset!

3. We can't continue to purchase every single Thomas and "Mommy" Friends product that is on the Market before we have to buy a bigger house to store them "Mommy" all.

4. Stop telling me "NO PLEASE!" when I ask you to do something, stop doing something or to come to me. "Mommy" I'm your Father "Mommy" and from what your Mother says (sarcastically and jokingly), I am THE CENTER "Mommy" of our little family. "Mommy" "Mommy" "Mommy" "Mommy"

5. PLEASE! PLEASE! stop repeatedly saying the word "Mommy" before, during or after every sentence or form of communication "Mommy" "Mommy" "Mommy" "Mommy" "Mommy" "Mommy" you are practicing.

I know I shouldn't be the one complaining. If anyone should complain, it's your Mother; but she doesn't. She is SUPER MOM! She is able to withstand the loud outburst of crying you display if you don't get your way. She is stronger than your Thomas and Friends locomotive. She is able to leap over tall buildings at a single bound. Most importantly, she is always calm and collected when you go into a fiery spin and flames come out your nostrils.

Alright, I may be stretching the truth a little (a lot). But seriously, you are definitely a Terrible Two. Your Mother says this is just the beginning of what's to come. Speaking of "what's to come," you had your very first full-on Tantrum last Tuesday afternoon just before we bravely took a trip to SFO to drop off your Lola and Lolo. I so desperately wanted to quickly and firmly sweep you up and take you out into the backyard and hose you down with some cold water to try and relax you. Apparently, your Uncle Joe was worse and your Grandpa would have to walk him into a cold shower (fully clothed) to calm him down when his tantrums would go beyond any adults sanity.

Just so we're clear, you are not always a Terrible Two 24/7. In fact, you are really a sweet little boy who wants to be the center of attention no matter who is in the room. It may take you a few minutes to warm up to people, but when you do, you love to control your situation by having everyone play trains with you, watch Thomas and Friends movies, or read Thomas and Friends books.

Oh, and guess what? Your Mother introduced you to Starbucks. Though I'm not a Starbucks fan, I do find it funny that you ask us to take you there for some caffeinated refreshments. And finally, you continue to make your Father very proud by practicing your Tai Chi Form a few minutes every morning. Granted, you have now found it funny to practice your form as though you are on crack. You have even had an interest in Wing Chun and Bak Mei.

And one last thing. I've sent your resumé to the Apple Store for the position of a Mac Genius , because I'm convinced that the supposed Mac Genius' don't actually know what they are talking about. And if a 2 year old can figure out how to work an iPhone....enough said.

Love,
Dad