Kathy Cook is waging a battle many moms are familiar with: fighting. In particular her fighting sons, ages 5 and 2. "People who don't have sons just don't get it," she says. "Two boys are just so exhausting." Exhausting, but fun, she says.

Describe your sons.

David, or "Doc" as we call him, is a very sensitive and caring little boy who loves to give hugs ... to everyone he meets. He was born 7 weeks premature and spent the first month of his life in the NICU. He was a little behind in development but has since caught up with other children his age. He loves school. He had a great year of preschool and can't wait to ride the bus to kindergarten. He loves to go swimming and ride his bike during the summer. He also loves to play the Wii, just like any other boy his age! He is soft-spoken.

Kendal, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of his brother. I was really spoiled by Doc who was so quiet and reserved. Kendal is loud and very outgoing. He engages in conversation with everyone he meets. He is always moving. He loves to run and play. He loves to swim and play outside whenever he can. He also loves to cuddle.

How do you deal with your boys fighting?

The first thing I do is take a deep breath and roll my eyes and say, "What is going on now?" They are usually fighting over some toy, and it can be anything. I think we made the mistake that when Kendal was a baby we'd tell Doc to put away all the toys because Kendal was too little to play with them. Doc still thinks Kendal is too young to play with them and won't let him. I separate them to find out what is going on, and then they get a timeout for fighting. Doc gets 5 minutes; Kendal gets 2. It almost always works. We've started taking away privileges for Doc, and that seems to be working, too. We'll say he can't play his Leapster or the Wii or even go to the pool. I try not to let it bother me, but it does. They seem to be fighting over something most of the time. Whatever one of them has, the other one wants it. It doesn't even matter what "it" is.

What's life like when they aren't fighting?

What's that like? Seriously, they do play together more and more as they get older. They are still loud, but at least they aren't trying to beat each other up.

What have you done to prepare both of them as Doc heads to kindergarten?

Doc has been to his "new" school several times already and can't wait to ride the school bus. Right now, I think he is more excited about the idea of a "big boy" school than actually going every day. Doc went to preschool the past two years, and I hope that will help him adjust to all the changes. Truthfully, I am scared to death about him going to kindergarten. Knowing his personality, I anticipate several issues arising. He has such a hard time in group situations and really needs that individualized attention. Kendal will probably miss his big brother, but I am looking forward to spending time with him like I was able to spend time with Doc before he came along. He will also go to preschool this year one day a week. He already calls it "my school." He will be at the same preschool as Doc, and has been there as I have dropped off Doc and picked him up. He always wanted to stay and was very upset when he was not allowed to. Now he gets to stay. He wants to get on that bus so badly.

What's your greatest strength as a parent?

I love my kids. I am not a patient parent, but I show them all the love they deserve.

What do you do to relax and unwind?

"Girls night out" is the best! I have fantastic mom friends, and we get together at least once a month.