Whining is very common as little ones head into their second year. Babies who are beginning to toddle but not speaking much whine as a means of communication. They don't know that we find it irritating, and they wouldn't have the ability to communicate differently even if they did.

Once, while deep in the throes of a mid-morning play date, a few fellow moms and I bravely challenged one another to make a list of the "super" characteristics that we were trying to embody. We called it the "Super-Mom List" and spent a few days reflecting on trying to fit into mom-sized superhero costumes.

If you want to teach a child values, the best way to do it is by being good role models ourselves and by discussing the choices of everyday life. That means toddlerhood is young to "teach values" verbally, but a perfect time to start teaching values by modeling what you value.

You will look at the clock and feel slightly panicked when you read "7:00." The baby has slept through the night. You will begin to smile and the chorus will begin to brightly sing in your mind. But first. First you will want to check the baby, make sure the baby is okay.

Ok, so he's a wonderful little guy, affectionate and charming, and angelic when he's asleep. But he never stops moving, he grabs whatever he wants from other kids, he regularly hauls off and socks you in the face, and then laughs. He throws toys and purposely breaks things... How can you possibly make it through toddlerhood without succumbing to your natural homicidal responses?

I have a confession to make. As I sit in my favorite cozy coffee shop writing this column, nearly eight-months postpartum, underneath my black t-shirt and green capris I am wearing -- are you ready for this? -- maternity underpants.

If I don't keep my little girl busy and entertained, she's either off in another room scaling the furniture, clinging to my legs and screaming for attention, or grabbing for hot pots and kitchen shears. So, here are some ways I've found to keep her safe and happy while I get dinner ready.

A coup? A support group? This got me thinking about mom jeans and what they represent. What is it about mom jeans that make us laugh and cringe at the same time? How can a pair of pants inspire so many exclamation points?