Wow...I've got good looking kids.

Everyone looks at their own kids and thinks that they are the cutest kids in the world. 

And we're all correct.

Letting go

As babies become toddlers, they start to do more things independently. 

In the summer of 2013, Pritam and Darshan were starting to feed themselves on a regular basis. I had to fight the urge to pick up the spoon and feed them. 

Surely, the numbers of stains and messes would have been reduced if I chose to feed the kids myself, but I came to realize that part of parenting is to let kids learn by doing things themselves.

Another part of parenting is to buy a lot of cleaning supplies and stain remover.

Cake Overdose

Never turn your back on a one-year old.

This entry serves as a cautionary tale. Back in early February 2013, we were celebrating Pritam and Darshan's first birthday party.

Things were hectic. We were busy preparing food, serving guests, tidying up and performing a variety of other tasks.

We assumed someone was keeping an eye on the twins. We were wrong.

While no one was looking, the kids devoured the icing from their birthday cake.

That led to Pritam being awake most of the night, hopped up on birthday cake.

Before the carnage

If you look closely at the picture, you can see the gleam in the kids' eyes, formulating their plan for cake annihilation.

Traveling with Babies

Over the last two years, we have taken numerous trips with the children. We have flown to Vancouver, Florida and the Dominican Republic.

Our January 2013 trip to Naples, Florida with the children was the first major travel adventure with Pritam and Darshan. This trip took place in the final days of my four-month parental leave, and gave us the opportunity to escape the frigid Saskatchewan winter for a month, courtesy of my generous in-laws, who hosted us in their Florida condo.

I think it is safe to say that I was stressed out when thinking about the logistics of a 12 hour travel day, with 3 flights (2 transfers - one in Denver, one in Chicago).  Scheduling meals, drinks, entertainment, and naps for twin 1 year old babies was a scary thought.

It's a good thing that my amazing wife, Saskatchemom had spent a tremendous amount of time and effort in organizing all of these details.

Before and during the flights, all I could think about was how things might go horribly wrong....what if the kids don't nap all day and cry through the whole flight?...what if we can't get access to water to make formula?...what if I leave one child at home and he/she is forced to defend the house from burglars? (Don't laugh. It has happened before.)

I learned something about parenting during that vacation. Your imagination is your worst enemy. Things never go as badly as you imagine them going.

And also...it's worth going through a little bit of hardship to get to the final destination.