I encourage you both to continue to be firm. My Oma used to say, “Oma is a beast.” But of course, we adored her and completely respected her. God would not have sent you a little pistol like your son unless he thought you would do a great job. Just stay right on top of him and have confidence about it, as though you’ve already raised 50 challenging kids and you know *exactly* what you’re doing. And whatever you do, make sure you and Mrs. Lord always back each other up in front of The Mayor and Otter. You’ll be fine.

When a doctor tells you of your 1-year old, “I fully expect him to be mayor someday. I’m not kidding,” or an educator says of your 4-year old “he is utterly unique in my experience,” you know you’re in trouble. At a week old, he was exhibiting so much will and mobility that a Brazelton Institute researcher asked if she could show him to her class in two months. He was already rolling across rooms by then. Walked at 8 months, ran at 9, never stopped.

Obviously I’m proud, but it has taken a lot of work, struggle, help to rein in what needs to be, give the good stuff room, and enforce the boundaries. Had one of those rewarding “you can figure it out” moments just last week.