I’m reading a bedtime story to the kids. There’s a picture of a Pterosaur in one of the pages. Vian: That is not even a dinosaur. I am quite proud that he know that Pterosaurs are not Dinosaurs. Me: Oh, what are they? Vian: They’re just grown-up chickens in the sky. Sempi: Argh! They’re called Pterosaur, Vian. Ugh! Vian likes taunting his brother, so he repeats his flying chicken theory one more time for good measure....

I like giving and receiving kisses from Vian (my 4yo son). Recently, Vian complained that my beard was prickly. Obviously, I’m now clean shaven (no more goatee). On the nights I put him down for bedtime, he usually gets quite sleepy while I lay down with him. Occasionally he would run his hands on my cheeks and say “Amma?” (mom). That’s gotta be the highest praise for shaving. Today during lunch, he is sitting in my lap and munching on his pasta....

Vian (4yo) and Yoshi are snuggled up in the office couch with a cozy blanket around them, playing a game on iPad. Vian turns to me and says, Vian: Appa, can you get me something to eat? Me: Come with me, let’s find something for you. Vian: But I’m too comfy. You get me something. Me: Ok, but you have to eat whatever I get. Vian: Nevvvermind….

Vian (4yo) runs into my home office and threatens to slice me. He strikes a pose with a hand on his hip, legs wide apart and a foam sword in one hand. I turn on my music which plays an upbeat song on the speakers. His tiny legs start moving to the melody and pretty soon he’s shaking his hip and bobbing his head. The kid can’t control himself when it comes to music....

Both kids insisted that they want to get ready for bed last. I told Vian (4yo) in secret that we’re going to trick Sempi (8yo). He should floss and brush but not do MiPaste (a Fluoride paste). Then after I get Sempi ready we can do MiPaste, Vian would be the last to get ready. Vian bought into the idea and he brushed first with a mischievous glee. The plan worked like a charm, Sempi was happy that he was brushing after Vian and Vian was happy that he didn’t do his MiPaste until after Sempi brushed, thus he was the last to get ready for bed....