Boys-N-Girls

"Oh, Mommy, that was such a wonderful girl date! Thank you so much for taking me!" My Kylee exclaimed as we drove home after running some errands. "Sure, sweetie! I enjoyed my time with you as well," I said aloud, though I was quite baffled by her response since we had done nothing truly fun. Our family makes a big deal about one-on-one dates with each of the parents, but this had been a normal errand running excursion and my little girl had simply asked to join me. As usual, during the entire outing she was chatting away about life, about school, about friends. A simple question will lead her into lengthy explanations and stories. I simply nod and smile as I push the cart down the aisles, filling it with the needed items. Somehow, my daughter thought this time of talking while doing the ordinary was something special.

However, contrast this to my "date" last week with my boys. We went bowling while Ky was in school and we hollered away, cheering each other on and giving high fives. Then we stopped at the nearby Starbucks and they sipped on cocoa and ate a pastry while I finished up my coffee. They said thank you, but then spent most of our time looking out the window at the passing train. I would try to ask questions to get inside their little minds, but their answers would be short and simple and their eyes would not leave the sights outside. Different, but typical boy I supposed.

I didn't think much about these different experiences until Sunday, when our Sunday school class was concluding our Love and Respect series by Emerson Eggerich. He talks about the female need for face to face communication and the desire to talk and express our hearts to one another while the male need is for shoulder to shoulder companionship, where you experience life together but without the need for expressions of the heart. Neither being better than the other, just different by God's perfect design. As he continued to talk about the differences of men and women I could so easily visualize such divinely appointed desires reflected in my children.

When Emerson spoke of the need for the man to be the strong protector who could "bring out Atlas whenever he wanted," I remembered my Kaden puffing out his chest while clad in his race car underwear and bragging to Kylee, "Look at me, look at me!" Her response? Apparently quite characteristic of the female, who is not visually oriented as is the man, "Oh Kaden, stop that! I don't like to see that!" Colson also demonstrates this same behavior while roaring with his fists over his head and talking about how big and tall he is. It is innate. He is a little boy with the God-given desire to be a strong, protective man.

On the other hand, my little girl has the desire to be beautiful and to be desired, as God has intentionally placed within her. This perfectly parallels the visually stimulated man who will someday want to find a beautiful woman whom he desires to love and protect. Yes, my sweet Kylee loves to dress up and to be found beautiful in her Daddy's eyes. She loves to twirl in front of him and to be swept up into his arms and danced around the house. She also always inquires about just how much he loves her, every day, several times a day. Someday, her desire to be loved and adored will transfer from her Daddy to another man, if Jim ever allows it, that is!!

As we study the differences in men and women as well as the differences in their needs, it just amazes me that God created us so that together we would more accurately reflect Him. And to look at my little ones and to already see these God-given traits and attributes in action is incredible. They are created in His image!!

"In the image of God he created him; male and female he created them... and God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." Genesis 1:27, 31

Daddy and Daughter

There is little else that can bring tears to my eyes as easily as the love between my children and their Daddy. Somehow, when Jim is with his little girl, my reaction is especially exaggerated. Having been blessed with a wonderful relationship with my own Dad, I realize the value of such a close relationship between a Daddy and his daughter. It brings me great joy to see my little girl so in love with her Daddy, so full of excitement in his presence, and so grateful for all the fun and tender times that they are able to share together. Of course, Jim can barely even think about her and the way she loves and adores him without tearing up. Any time he leaves the house she sends him with a souvenir so that "you won't forget me, Daddy!" His work desk is laced with little pink teddy bears, bunnies, angels and artwork from his daughter. Another precious occurrence in their relationship is the love wars they have where they try to "out-love" one another. Kylee will say, "Daddy, I love you a trillion, 50 million, billion thousand times! Is that a lot?" Of course, Jim will agree that it's an awful large number, so then she'll want to know exactly how much he loves her. After he throws out an equally ridiculous number she'll say, "Well, that's a lot too, almost as much as I love you!" After her love for God and Jesus, she says, her Daddy is next in line!

one of Kylee's works of art for her Daddy

adoring him...

loving him...

enjoying him.

cuddling on the couch

he proudly lets her paint his face and wears it publicly!

"The father-daughter bond is vitally important. Beginning from childhood, a father's active presence in his daughter's life affects her personality, her confidence, her health and her future."

"When a girl grows up, she marries her father. Her life partner is very likely to reflect her dad's characteristics."

"Developing this healthy relationship with your daughter from an early age is an investment for her future. A good father and young daughter relationship is what she'll model her future relationships with men after."

"Someone rightly said that a daughter always remains her father's kid! Well, how true! The relationship of a father and daughter has often been judged as the most beautiful and the most pious human relationship. A relationship full of love, care, respect and companionship, the father and daughter relationship bond has no comparisons in the entire world. The presence of a father is very much important in a kid's life but in a daughter's life the need of a father becomes all the more important."

my little ballerina

waiting to go

so excited!

finishing touches


and off we go!


the bun


the ballet bag


the ballerina in boots


tying ribbons


listening, learning and watching


first step - toe tap


dancing with the girls - heel toe


look at that concentration


freestyle?


first position with friend Molly


tippy toes


tondu


class is over!!!

Having danced quite seriously myself, people have always asked if I was going to put Kylee in ballet as well. I have always answered, "I don't know, we'll see if she's interested!" Well, today was the day that my Kylee took her first dance class - a combined tap/ballet class with 4 other little girls. From the moment I heard about it, I thought it was perfect. A Christian teacher with 4 daughters of her own who taught ballet classes in a room rented from a church. It was low key and nothing too serious. Kylee was so excited, of course, and surprised me at how quickly she caught on. I've never thought of my Kylee girl as graceful, but today, glowing in her very pink leotard and tutu with a face full of joy and determination, following the teacher's movements perfectly, she looked very graceful indeed. Way to go, little Ky!!

Whew...what a day!!

Today I might as well have woken up and strapped roller skates to my feet. It's been that kind of day! A million places to go and barely enough hours in the day to get it done... I'm glad that we don't live like this every day!

We awoke early and truly worked as a team to get the kids dressed, fed and out the door by 7:30am. Jim followed behind me as we slipped and slid along the snow glistened roads to the Waukesha County Police Department for our 8AM fingerprinting appointment. The kids certainly enjoyed watching all the police men in full attire filing through the lobby, though Cole wondered why they didn't keep any toys there. I just kept staring at the clock wondering what was taking so long as the minute hand all too quickly made it's way south. I told Jim we needed to call Ky's school, as we would certainly be late. We laughed as we thought of having to explain, "I'm sorry that Kylee will arrive late. We are detained at the Waukesha County Police Department!" Never mind telling them that we were there as part of the foster home licensing process!

But, just as soon as I grabbed the cell phone, we were called back. It was 8:30am and I rushed through my fingerprints just as Cole shouted out that he had to pee!! So, I took all the kids with me while Jim got fingerprinted. I was surprised to find a urinal in the ladies bathroom, but without thinking much about it, I quickly helped both my boys make use of it. "Does this thing flush?" Kaden asked. "I have no idea," I answered truthfully, "I have never used one before!" And while we were washing hands I heard my husband's concerned voice, "Uh, Tee, do you know you're in the men's restroom?" What!?!?! Maybe the urinal should have clued me in. Embarrassed, I rushed the kids out of there and thanked God that He kept all the police men from having the need to use the bathroom for those few moments!

Once the kids were hurried back outside in zero degree weather and buckled safely in their seats, Jim and I took off in separate directions. I zig zagged along, hoping to beat the clock and miraculously get Kylee to school in time. It didn't happen. I apologized profusely to Kylee as we pulled up 10 minutes late, but was grateful that there was a bus also just as late, so Kylee just walked right inside with the other students. Perfect! I told her I would email her teacher and explain. I could just imagine my 4 year old describing to her teacher the reasoning for her first tardy...something about the policemen and fingerprints.

Afterwards, the boys and I zipped along to our insurance agent's office. We again shuffled in and out and got the necessary paperwork signed to prove auto and homeowners coverage to the fostering agency. The boys were excited to be offered candy, and joyfully sucked along as I drove off to register Kylee for school next year. I looked in my rear view mirror and smiled at my boys. They'd had such a busy morning, but they were just content as could be, bouncing along to the music on the radio. I thanked them for being such troopers and promised we'd stop soon to just relax and enjoy each other.

And, that we did! After we registered Kylee at Dixon Elementary and stopped at the library to return books, we pulled into Panera Bread for some bagels and cocoa. It was 9:45AM and our 6th stop of the day. Poor dears. We got all the "Ooohs and aaaahs" from the elderly individuals already seated inside as I marched my little matching guys towards the counter. I smiled as I passed and thought about saying, "Just wait," but decided to give the boys a chance at proving me wrong. Oh how I wish they would have! Before long, there were bear claw crumbs scattered everywhere, Kaden had tipped himself over and backwards in the chair (met with huge gasps from all those observing), spit his cocoa out all over the table and front of his shirt yelling, "It's too hot!" and then knocked the whole cup over while I was cleaning up his first mess. I looked at my muffin and coffee sitting there uneaten - would I ever get the chance?

Two bites and three sips into my treats, an elderly couple came over and started asking questions about my boys. They were such kind people and had many stories to tell of their own grandchildren and their one great grandchild due any day. We chatted for awhile until Colson yelled, "I've gotta go poo poo!" Do 3 year old boys know how to talk in hushed tones?? "I'm sorry," I told the couple, "I suppose I must get going." The kind woman smiled knowingly and said, "I had 5 of my own, it really does go fast." In that very moment, it was the perfect reminder. No matter how embarrassed I was by my little guys with their spills, falls and hollers of impending poo poo, they would only be doing this for a little while. Before long, I will be the one embarrassing them some way or another! "Thank you, you're absolutely right," I told the wise woman as I bundled the boys, then headed for the bathroom.

The day continued as we drove to pick up Kylee, then returned home to eat lunch before getting Ky ready for her first dance class. We just returned home and all the kids are now resting. I should start dinner and prepare for our little friend, Jacob's, arrival. We'll be watching him this evening while his parents go out on a date. It's been a busy one, but it's starting to slow down so that we can take the time to enjoy one another and this blessed life He's given us! And at the end of the day, I hope that my kids can somehow forget that mommy used the men's restroom - I've received several reminders of my embarrassing endeavor already today!!

The Desires of Our Hearts

Delight yourself in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4



One of the things that Jim and I first realized we had in common back when we first began talking was the desires that God had placed on each of our hearts. Amongst the similar passions, both of us had a strong desire to help the fatherless. At first we thought that this would mean one day adopting a child from a poor, under developed country, or maybe a little Chinese girl, abandoned because she was not a boy. And though adoption is still an option to us, God has recently placed a new desire within our hearts and opened our minds to a new possibility. We are excited to share that God has led us into the process of becoming a licensed foster family.

Being that this is a decision that will affect the whole family, we have arrived at this point with the permission and input from our children. We've talked to them, answered questions, read verses from the Bible that talk about God's heart for the fatherless and prayed with them. They have each showed great excitement for taking in and caring for little ones in our home. In fact, the first day I got a call from the social worker and was given a time line, the kids and I spent the rest of the afternoon sorting baby clothes, cleaning baby supplies and setting up our beautiful cradle, made for us by Jim's dad when our Kylee was born. Kylee has even gone through her own belongings and chosen some stuffed animals and blankets for "the baby". She asks every day when we're going to "get our kids" and then gives her opinion of what she would prefer - today she wanted 2 sets of twins, one set of boys and another of girls. I told her I thought that would be a bit much for me to handle! She has a hard time wrapping her little mind around caring for a child for awhile... she would like to make them all permanently a part of our family. My prayer for her is that God would somehow protect her tender little heart when we must say good-bye to a child we have loved.

Ky dusting the cradle


Kaden saying, "This where the baby sleeps!"


The boys, although younger, still understand pretty well what we're doing. When Cole was sick last night we put him on a mattress on the floor in our room. He looked at the cradle next to him and said, "Oh yeah! I get to sleep by the baby!" I reminded him that there was no baby yet in the cradle and he responded, "Yea, but some day we have a baby there who doesn't have a mommy or daddy and we need to care for it." I try to explain that many times the children do have a mommy and daddy, but that they might be "sick" and need help before they can take care of their children. It is a hard concept for them to grasp.

So, we are currently filling out an abundance of detailed forms, going to doctor's appointments to be cleared, getting finger printed and having background checks completed, finding ways to make the home "safe" by the county's standards (there are things I never would have thought of!), going to classes and harassing friends and family about being references for us. We've just begun and sometimes it seems overwhelming and a bit scary. We have days when we ask ourselves if we know what we're doing. Others when we're asked by loved ones if we're crazy. I just don't want fear to hold us back from something that God has obviously placed upon our hearts.

On a day when I was particularly thinking a lot about the change and potential risks this would bring about within our family, God spoke directly to my heart in this quote by John Piper that was a part of my Biblestudy lesson:

"Being a Christian should mean that our trajectory is toward need, regardless of danger and discomfort and stress. Christians characteristically will make life choices that involve putting themselves and their families at temporal risk while enjoying eternal security."

He calmed my heart and my fears and reminded me that He had led us to this point. Following Him might not always be the fun, easy or comfortable way, but we have great hope in our eternal security with Christ!

So we ask for prayer as we travel this road together. We pray that we continue to follow God's leading and not give in to our own fears and worries, for teamwork amongst our family members, for great love and patience for every child placed within our home, and for strength of hearts when we may need to say good-bye to a child we have loved and who may be returning to situations that are not ideal.

Sweet-N-Sour

Well, the sour part is that Colson woke up last night with a high fever and a "very, very hurt mouth", according to him. It was a restless night and early in the morning he also suffered another bad nose bleed. We eventually got the kids ready for the day, with lots of meds on board for Cole, and after dropping Kylee off at school, I took the boys to the doctor.

Then comes the sweet part. When the nurse called us in, she said, "So what brought you here today?"

Kaden looked at his brother and spoke up, "My brudder have a fever and a very bloody nose! He sick!" Cole just nodded with those droopy, sick eyes.

When we got in the room I lifted Cole to the exam table and Kaden immediately wanted to sit by his brother. As the doctor poked and prodded, Kaden kept asking Colson questions, "Does that tickle you? Do you hear that birdie sound? (the Dr. always makes bird sounds when he looks in ears) That hurt you?" We left after a diagnosis of strep throat was made and Kaden and Cole were both eager to pick out stickers for one another.

And the sweetness continued throughout the day with Kaden frequently asking his brother if he was OK, needed medicine or wanted a hug. It touched my heart so much. I suppose I'm used to my boys being looked after and protected by their big sister, but with her in school, my Kaden stepped up and looked after his brother. I hope that such a sweet, compassionate relationship continues throughout their life!

Self Control

The other day, Colson said something to me in a very polite way and I praised him for it. "That because my practicing self-control, Mommy!" he nodded with bright eyes and a big smile.

"Really? Good job, Buddy!" I answered with a hug, secretly thinking why he didn't practice self control more often. :O) But then, I thought about how often I fall short of practicing self control myself. There are more times than I can count when my frustrations with my little ones are expressed in a raised voice or an irritated tone. And many other times when I have failed miserably at "taking every thought captive", as Paul instructs in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

It was this statement by my brand new 3 year old that challenged me to practice more self control and discipline in my own life. Certainly, if he can commit to practicing self control, then I, as an adult who knows better, can as well. These precious ones teach me so much!

A true mothering moment

As any mother would know, it's nearly impossible to find time alone. Tonight was such a typical example of one such ordinary occurrence. Jim is out running errands and I find myself surprised to have all three of my children delightfully entertaining themselves - Kylee in the play room with the horses and the boys in their bedroom with a big felt book. Enjoying the moment of not having any immediate needs to be met, I grab my Bible and lesson and plop down onto my bed. Just seconds into reading, I hear two sets of little footsteps padding down the hallway and into my room. They ask where Daddy is and want to know if they can play race cars on the bed while I study. Of course. The boys race to the playroom to get their cars and when they return I can tell they are trying hard to drive quietly so that I can finish my study. However, it is not long before I have multiple race cars driving up and down my legs and back (I was lying on my stomach), then 2 little boys sitting on my back pretending to ride a horse, and finally 2 little boys jumping off of my back and crashing onto the mattress below, hooting and hollering all the while. I am noticing their activity, but I dutifully continue to read my lesson and even attempt to write barely legible answers to the questions. Kylee hears all the commotion and runs into the room with a "Yippee!" and joins in the fun of walking on and jumping off of Mommy. Before too much time passes, I am forced to close my Bible and just start laughing right along with them. Some day I will actually know what it is like to have a moment alone, but I hope that time doesn't come too soon!

A little slice of life

We had a fun filled weekend! On Friday night we started off by having two little friends over, Caleb and Allison Taylor, for a slumber party. We call these kids our "Wisconsin cousins" because, like us, they have no family close by and the kids love each other! In fact, all 5 kids and I were talking about having another slumber party next month and the Taylor kids agreed it should be for at least 10-20 nights. Kylee, however, wanted them to stay forever. When I told her their parents might miss them, she said, "Well, then, maybe just until we go to heaven!" I didn't get great photos of our time together because our camera battery was out for the evening, but I assure you it was full of dress up, legos, tea parties, dance parties and horse racing! Amazingly, the kids all went down without any problems! I was shocked.

When they all woke up at 7AM (shocked again, I expected little sleep), they jumped on the couch together and watched a video while I made a snowman pancake breakfast.

After breakfast we attempted to get all 5 kids bundled for a sledding trip with our Family Matters Life Group from church. It was a great time and the Taylor parents met us there and brought hot chocolate for all!! What a treat!

Kylee and Allison were the only girls there and everyone laughed at the way they were screaming the whole way down the hill.

Colson - so brave! He just kept going down the hill and hiking the sled back up, over and over again. Even after a couple falls, he just kept going.

Kaden with his Daddy - a little cautious at first, but more independent near the end.

And a rare photo of me with my dear husband

Sitting with the kids while they sip their cocoa

Helping Kaden cool his cocoa down.

"MMMM! Carrie make this! This taste like chocolate chips!"

Kylee was also a big fan - especially loved the marshmellows she got to sprinkle in.

Mom and daughter

We were sure grateful we got our sledding trip in when we did, because by Monday our world had warmed up and melted away almost all of our snow! It was incredible. The boys awoke in the morning to see grass and exclaimed, "It's SUMMER!" They were seriously ready to get out the slip-n-slide. Instead, we grabbed umbrellas and rain boots and ran around the neighborhood stomping in slushy puddles. We then called our neighbor girls over, Elizabeth and Anna, who came with us to the animal shelter to visit the animals and then spent the evening with us as we enjoyed popcorn and movies and another dancing party. What can I say, my kids have Berglund blood!

And as for our snow, we're expected to get another 5 inches tonight. Sorry kids, no summer yet.

Minivan Mama

Sometimes I wonder when in the world I became old enough to be a mother of 3, racing around town in a minivan. I used to think that some level of maturity had to be obtained before succumbing to minivan ownership. I now realize there is very little required before driving one off a lot. Our minivan was acquired 3 years ago out of pure necessity after having our 3 kiddos in just 21 months. Three big, bulky car seats just didn't fit easily across a single row of seats, and having no independent seat belt bucklers until just this year made a minivan, with so much walking space, a perfect fit. Jim was pretty resistant at first, but by the time the boys were just 2 months old, my reasons of practicality won out.

Now, however, I can tell him we no longer have a minivan. Ever since the boys were old enough to use their imagination, our minivan has taken on the identity of a whale, a ship, a race car, a jungle safari vehicle on an alligator hunt, a roller coaster ride, and most recently it has been an airplane. When we climb into our "airplane" Colson states, "OK, we going on an airplane ride! Get ready!" Jim and I follow suit and tell the kids to buckle up, as we assist the boys with their 5 point straps. "Where are we going today?" one of us will ask, and the kids always respond that we're headed to California or Oregon. Where else have we to go?

I have always enjoyed the world of rabid imagination of my children. It takes me out of the adult world of responsibility and realism and lets me get lost in the fun and excitement of "pretend". Today, Kaden says we're off to Disneyland!

Ready for Heaven

On the way to school today, Kylee announced that she thought Jesus was coming back for us maybe today or tomorrow and that when she got to heaven she wanted to ride horses and touch the beautiful jewels. I should add that at this same time, she was also clad in her hello kitty sunglasses, because she knows that when Jesus comes back for her it will be "bright and shiny" and she wants to be prepared. Never mind that today in Brookfield it is overcast, foggy and dark.

Colson joined in the conversation and declared that he wanted to bring all his cars with him.

"Oh no, Cole, you can't bring anything with you! We won't need our things in heaven. But it will be more wonderful than here and full of animals and jewels and a lot of stuff there. And Jesus is making a home for us right now! We will live there when we get to heaven. It will be beautiful and we'll even get to see Jesus' face and hug him too!"

Then she got into all the challenging questions of how big and tall and old God is. And she can't wait to see what color his hair will be, of all things. We talked about heaven until we dropped her off at school, and she marched right in wearing those sunglasses. Surprisingly, she was still wearing them when I picked her up 2 1/2 hours later!

Need I say how much I love hearing my little girl dream about her eternal life in heaven? It is a gift beyond measure! The picture I have in my mind of my little girl wearing her sunglasses on a foggy, dark day will forever remind me to also be prepared for our King's return, and to wait with eager expectation!

Odds and Ends

It always takes me a few days to recover after a visit with family, as my last two posts have documented, but I do eventually recover and remember to enjoy this life God has blessed us with! The last couple days we've had some fun moments, and here are some photos to prove it. :O)

"I have to go potty!" is something I usually always hear once the boys are fully clothed in all their snow gear. In this photo, we were still inside and Cole is taking off down the hall with snow pants pulled down. Frequently we are out in the snow and... let's just say that I'm so glad they're boys!! Whenever we have to use the snow as our receptacle, Kaden proclaims, "Yellow snow!! Colson loves yellow!"

Before the temperature dropped to 7 degrees (that's what it said today as we ran to Menards), we got outside to enjoy the snow some more. On New Years, Kylee and I did some hiking in the forest, while the boys played on the slides. One thing the kids enjoy in the winter is sucking on icicles!

One morning we spent making 'Thank Yous' for all the generous Christmas and birthday gifts the kids received.

The boys really missed their big sister today when she returned to school. They had a lot of fun together when she got home!

This was so precious to me! Right before naps, I pulled out the vacuum to use when the kids were in bed. Colson grabbed the little vacuum and wanted to help. I told him I would wait until he was awake, so he placed his little vacuum next to mine. When he did wake up, he was quick to see if I'd waited for him, and then he and Daddy ended up vacuuming together.

And there's Jimmy and me... he's such a wonderful husband.

And a few sweet and silly moments:

I was running out the door on a quick errand and, upon meeting resistance from the kids, I told them I would be real fast. Colson looked at me and said, "No, Mommy, don't go really fast. I not want you to go bonk in the snow. I want you to drive slowly so you will be safe, OK?"

Kylee, who thought it was strange my name used to be Berglund, was discussing with me the process of getting married and taking the husband's name. "Well," she said, "If I want to marry Connor, then I will be a Ratzlaff, but if Logan, or anyone else, wants to marry me, then they have to be a Root!" (Connor and Logan Ratzlaff are Ky's first cousins)

Colson asked me at dinner if he could be Jesus. I told him no, but that someday he could ask Jesus into his heart, to which he responded, "I already did!" Hmmmm. "You did?" I asked, obviously surprised. "Yeah, I asked him if I could be an angel, and he said, 'Yes!' So now I am an angel!"

The kids were playing and Kylee told Kaden he was being mean. "No, I not mean!" He retorted, "God made me in amazing way!"

Colson and I were reading Ecclesiastes and he had to get up to go potty. "Mommy, you pause the Bible for me please?" He asked.

Kylee has been wanting a large, moving, noise making pony at Target for awhile and loves visiting it when we're shopping there. Tonight when she was leaving to run errands with Daddy, she asked if she could get the pony. I told her it was too expensive and we were not going to spend the money on it and, also, that we need to be content with what we have. She seemed fine with that and when they returned later she disappeared upstairs for a bit. When she came down she had a $20 and a $1 bill from her piggy bank. "Here, Mom and Dad, I want to give this money to you, in case you run out. I want to share this with you and maybe Daddy can buy something for his work with it." When we resisted, she insisted. Eventually we were able to convince her to keep her money and use it to save up for something bigger she might want, or use it to help others. We'll have to wait and see what happens, though we were touched by her generous heart.

Today Kaden looked at me and told me we had no friends. I assured him we had many wonderful friends to which he said, "No, Mommy, Daddy left (for work) and Grammy and Poppy and Nana and Papa left and now we have no friends. I miss them."

Being the big sister, Kylee can sometimes be a little bossy. Until recently it really hasn't bothered the boys much. That is certainly changing. As Kylee was telling Colson what to do, he pointed at her and said sternly, "No, Ky Ky, only Mommy and Daddy can deal with me!"