A week of opposites

Good 1) I got to negotiate a contract with a major producer here in Toronto that I've always wanted to work with, and I did a good job
Bad : I wasn't very excited by it and didn't have the energy, time or babysitter to celebrate

Good 2) We're getting to know our neighbours finally after five years here. They speak to us on the street, people are friendly and kind and I'm looking forward to Halloween
Bad: I got pushed down three stairs by an angry woman on the subway who was determined to reach her train. Stupid Toronto, stupidity.

Good 3) Adara is full of out of nowhere statements that "she loves us"

Bad: This morning she walked towards me with her hand raised and said "I'm going to hit you" and then did. And then over the course of the next twenty minutes of being kept in time out in her room, did it four more times. Just because she can.

What a strange week of ups and downs.

The Box Series

I think that every kid has one of these, a favourite box that gets used in a variety of ways. Adara's best loved box activity is to sit in it naked except for her new pink/camoflauge winter boots.

Hello my gorgeous, smart, funny two year old. Happy birthday.
Two years ago today Len and I were in hospital, half asleep watching you sleeping in the isolette beside us. You fit in your fathers hand.
In the past year, the big milestones have all been language. You've gone from "ma ma" to " I kiss the boys and then I chase them". Quite a leap! You are also full of love lately telling me "I love you mamma" but also "go way mama, I do self (myself)". You are sweet and kind and genuine, and occasionally a bit of a monster!
Lately you talk a lot about how you need a "pak pak to go to school" This kind of breaks my heart, because suddenly I can see the day coming when it will be true; and then, I find that I can see all of your days ahead. I want to hold you forever in my arms and sing you "rock a bye, baby" like you ask for all of the time now. Those moments are so precioius as I'm starting to realize just how fleeting they are.
I love you baby and I'm so proud of who you've become this year; gentle and loving, pushy and demanding, you are MY daughter to the core!
Happy Birthday!

My Baby

Is awesome right now. Fun and silly, full of imaginative games. The latest thing is the addition of an imaginary friend Gabrielle. (the name of one of our friends 10 month old baby). Gabrielle is often hungry or wants a "ba-ba" (bottle) or a cuddle. Because he is a baby, we must concede to these requests, and Adara is happy to be the recipient of the things that Gabrielle would like.
There's also been lots of discussion of going to school lately and the need for a "pak-pak" (backpack). She's in such a hurry to be a big girl now, I wish I could reverse time.
Two years old next week...

Swimming, Swimming in my swimming pool...

This is Adara's new "swimming Pool". She pulls the cushion off the chaise, then lays on it on her belly and pretends to swim. Or sometimes just hangs out in her little fort with a pile of books and a nice soft cushion (supplied by dada) behind her back. Ah, the sweet life of a toddler!

Cute things Adara says

Adara's newest thing is calling me by my name. At the park the other day she informed someone as she pointed at me "That my mamma, her name Kwendwa". I asked her what daddy's name was, and she responded "Da-Da". Of course.