Today, Andrea had an early meeting. Usually, Andrea and I trade off with the twins in the morning while the other one showers and gets ready for work. On this day, however, I am on my own. Andrea suggests that I put the twins in the Pack-n-Play in our bedroom and turn on the new Sign Language video while I shower. This seems like a good idea and I keep the door open to listen for any signs of problems.

Of course, with the bathroom fan and the water cascading down I suddenly am convinced that I hear blood curdling screams – that the babies are staging a battle royale in the steel cage. I envision karate chops or total take-downs with carnage everywhere. So, I rush through my shower and quickly turn off the water. I listen carefully as I dry off and the only sound I hear is the music from the DVD. All sorts of thoughts run through my mind. “They’ve killed each other,” I think.

As I’m done drying off, I can’t stand it anymore and I peek my head out of the door and look towards the twins. And my heart melts.

They are both standing at the edge of the Pack-n-Play with their arms dangling over the top. Both of their little faces are engrossed with the television. I glance at the screen as I see a little girl showing the signs they will need to know for the next song. As I glance back at TheMonk and Swee’Pea I notice that their little fingers are both wiggling away. It is then that I realize that they are getting this. They are trying to mimic the signs they see on the video.

And they are so cute that I can’t stand it.

I quietly slink back into the bathroom to get ready. But I keep peeking, ’cause, you know, they’re so damn cute.