It's Kai's World.: My Toddler Companion.

The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) we joined this season recently had a potluck dinner at their farm to give thanks to all its members. Kai and I went sans Graham, who was playing in a soccer game, but still managed to have a great time. We brought oatmeal-walnut cookies to share, and feasted on carrot soup, green beans, spinach and potatoes, kale wraps, and other yummy dishes. We played in the children's garden, oohed and aahed at the chickens, toured the grounds where all our produce was grown, warmed up around the fire, and listened to music. We knew not a soul upon arrival, but left having made many "friends".

As I was driving home, I realized one of the major awesomenesses of having a child (especially one of Kai's age who still thinks his mommy is god's gift to the world!) is always having a "companion" or as I like to think of him, a "conversation starter". "How old is your kid?" "What's his name?" "What's your name?" "I know, they just grow up so fast!" Etc. Etc. It never fails. Anywhere and everywhere we go we make friends. Whether it's my choice or not. Kai rarely lets a single person walk by without asking their name. Just the other day he shouted at our neighbor (whom we had yet to meet) as she was getting in her car, "What's your name?" No answer (she hadn't heard). "I asked, What's YOUR name?" The innocence and confidence of a toddler is magnificent to watch. At this age, they are so uninhibited, and naturally, this rubs off on their mamas... or daddies... or anybody who happens to be hanging out with them on a given day. In my non-mommying days, I would have been hesitant to attend an event like this on my own. Sure, I enjoyed doing certain things solo... going to a movie, a yoga class, a walk, a coffee shop, but a "party"... not likely. Now, I rarely think twice about it. I bring Kai, and he brings me.