DIANA REPUBLIC

1) A sleep deprived twenty three month old child whose molars are coming in can throw a mad, ovary-shrinking tantrum with almost no notice.

2) That same toddler can, moments later, be so unbelievably cute and well behaved that you would sign up for a litter of him, if they were available.

3) The patience that is takes to be a parent is truly awe inspiring to those of us who whine about the trials of raising canines. (We have crates for Pete’s sake.).

I just spent a week visiting my beautiful new niece and my adorable nephew and I am exhausted. And I didn’t really do anything. I tried to get up with my nephew when he woke up crying in the night, but he wanted “Dad-dee” and was really clear about it. I didn’t bother to get up with my niece because she was more than likely hungry and my equipment, while similar, does not operate the way her mother’s does.

I visited a pumpkin patch and went on a hayride. I rocked a peaceful infant. I played blocks and changed two whole diapers – both the easy infant kind. I cooked a couple of meals, I shopped, I read a couple of books (with lots of pictures and not many pages) and I colored. And unlike everyone else in the house, I slept. And I am beat.

What I learned on my fall vacation – child rearing is hard work. My brother and sister-in-law have amazing patience and so much love. They are great parents and I am so proud of them.