C is for Cookie

A short excerpt from the gem of a book I found today (yes, I am making time to read--thanks, Stacie: it won't kill me to leave the dishes for later). More coming on this amazing book on parenting when I'm finished with it, but for now, some general tips:

Assuming you don't keep them manacled to the radiator, toddlers are generally thrilled by the mere act of living and breathing. Balloons and cake for a birthday celebration are thoughtful, more than necessary, extras.

Do not allow your child to grow up to be a social embarrassment.

On the issue of screaming: Explain that when he is older, he may go to the train yard, or down to a freeway overpass, or a psychiatrist's office, and scream at the passing trains, vehicles, or psychiatrist; but until that glorious day has arrived, screaming must be a private pursuit.

Might it not be a good idea to explain to one's two-year-old that she mustn't put her head in the potty and leave it there?

My personal favorite tip so far, on why you should make it a habit to have a bachelor over for dinner: An eccentric Southern bachelor will also provide your children with a questionable role model, which is really the best kind.

We gave Abe his first vanilla wafer today. We think he liked it. A lot.
Shock and awe at the goodness kept from him for so so so long...

I have no idea. This is simply life with Abe.

Eventually, I'll put together part II of the Addis Ababa post. I've also, surprisingly (at least to me), been asked by a few people to toss out another "hot topic" like last week, so I'm been mulling that over as well. I think I know where I'm going with that. In the meantime, those new Trader Joe's wafers with real Madagascar vanilla beans are worth a try.