Obviously a mother's touch went into this. As a mother of 2 toddlers and one on the way, I have the authority to say that this was a hilariously and *accurately* written piece. Thank you, I sooo needed this laugh!

Lol, it was great fun.

It also reminded me of long afternoons, together with my crawling 8 month old son...I would not repeat the experience for the world...I unfortunately had no magical I-Chiya to assist me.

I like the literary climax of Amanda's feelings, from devoted patient polite mother to almost out of her mind desperate housewife and border-line serial killer (of both I-Chiya and Spock)!

Luckily we women are really emotionally the stronger sex and she spared the both of them!

Thanks. I needed the laugh!

How very funny-great job!

LOL Spock goes from "pixie toddler" to "the child from hell" and from the "terrorist son" to the "other monster"! Who would know? And really who better to help "the human caretaker" who has had enough than a three generation, thousand pound, ursine Vulcan baby-sitter who knows how to avenge his honor! Did anyone say anything about a teddy bear? LOL! Of course not!

I always wanted to read a story of how Amanda, in all her human insecurity, would allow I'Chiya to watch baby Spock! Thank you for writing this hilariously smart story.

Love, love, love. I was laughing the whole time. This is just a delightful little romp through their family life—and one of the outstanding examples of how much more graciously than Sarek, Amanda accepts defeat.

You are one of my favorite authors. And this is one of the cutest stories you've written!

Thank you! 3

Lol Sarek's comment made me laugh: "life is never boring with you, my wife". Very funny :)

"Life with you is never boring, my wife," Sarek had opined.

How funny was that! This is a great destraction from homework, Pat, thanks for sharing it. The ending was great, I could almost see Sarek smiling.

Rolletti :)

Brilliant.

Thank you for writing and sharing such a finely crafted and interesting story.

Sweet! Thanks again. Your toddler description was spot on. I speak from experience; I am currently "enjoying" my third. They are so naughty, but so lovable.

That was sweet.

I do so enjoy your universe and all of your stories. Thank you for sharing.

I had never considered life with a Vulcan toddler – 101 questions and no fear. My husband always thought it was terrible to see children in the Mall wearing harnesses (like dogs) walking in front of their parents. I thought it was a terrific idea. My Mother-in-law did too. She admitted tying a rope around one wayward child’s waist and another to the Dog’s collar and running them through the handle of the garage door so she could plant flowers in the front yard. That was many years ago and I fear now days one would get a visit from “social services”. Raising children is not as easy as I thought it would be.

Dear Pat: This story is very good! While I doubt that even a pet native to Vulcan would understand Amanda's words so completely, this is a delightful tale. Thank you for writing and posting it. Sincerely, Darkover

Pat,

I really liked this story. The humor of the situation of poor Amamda dealing with her toddler was great. I'Chiya, though, was wonderful! I loved his personality. I particulary liked his shredding the broom: no one is going to swat me on the backside!

Thanks for sharing this great story.

Madeleine