AJ2, welcome to the world! Yes, we've been bosom buddies for nearly three weeks but apparently writing it here makes it official. Or at least that's what Pater thinks...
After nearly three weeks together, Mater can definitely tell you that you were worth the wait. For the most part, you didn't cause as much heartache (literally) as your sister. Admittedly, this is now Mater's second pregnancy where a molotov of antacid cocktails formed a daily part of life, but unlike AJ1 you didn't leave your Mater with gigantic cankles. Don't worry, this altruistic act on your part won't be forgotten by Mater. Or Pater for that matter.
Mater can't say it was a surprise when the doctor announced you were a boy. After the havoc AJ1 wreaked on Mater's body, the distinct lack of blimposity pretty much gave it away. Not to mention the neverending opining by family, friends and perfect strangers that you'd be a boy. Note for future reference: big bump out front=boy; enough bloating to rival the Michelin Man=girl. Further note for future reference: Mater looks beautiful during pregnancy=boy; Mater looks greasy, spotty and, well let's call a spade a spade, down right hideous=girl.
And then you arrived! Mater was a little drugged up (which should excuse the photo below), but that didn't stop her falling in love with you immediately. Or Pater for that matter.
And let's not forget all your other Toronto family...
Even AJ1 was excited by your arrival! Admittedly it did involve you "buying" a present for her when she came to visit you in the hospital (we won't mention that Pater decided that her first visit to you should also be her first subway ride, a subway ride with lots of lovely germs for her to bring with to the hospital. Oh Pater!). And "buying" another present for her when you came home. As Pater said, let this be your first lesson - girls are high maintenance.
AJ1 has even started showing you the ropes. First came the ever important "twinkle twinkle little star". Next up - animal noises and jumping from the sofa. After that Mater and Pater shudder to think. We just pray it's legal!
In case it's not obvious during the next few, sleep-deprived, months, Mater loves you very much and can't wait to see what's next. Just not at 3am, please.
On Tue 16 Mar 1952 BC or thereabouts, Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah. 8 days later he was circumcised thus beginning 3,000 years of tradition and a ton of bad jokes (Why are Jewish men circumcised? Because Jewish women won't touch anything unless it's 20 percent off.) And so it was done and so it was established. Every Jewish boy for three millenia has experienced a "little off the top" without even stepping foot into a barber shop. And at 7.45ish on Monday 21st November at Toras Emes Synagogue in Toronto, AJ2, you joined the club (at cut price membership).
Yes, obviously Pater ensured a ton of photos and videos were taken. Yes, obviously Mater forbade any of the explicit photos and certainly none of the videos to be shown to anyone. Ever. So here are some G Rated photos from the big day.
But, AJ2, you should know that the day was deeply significant to Pater and Mater, and not just because of the religious and spiritual aspect of you entering into the Covenant of Abraham. Today you were named after a great man, a man who, even after two years, is still deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him: your Grandpa Toronto. 
As Pater said at the breakfast after the ceremony, your Grandpa Toronto's time with us was too brief and it is our deepest regret that you and AJ1 will never know him; never see the twinkle in his eye as he tells a joke or makes a play on words; never pull on his moustache; never receive his ultimate accolade, “ah, this one's a smart one”; never learn from all that this warm, intelligent, God fearing man had to impart. Pater has many duties as a father but perhaps the most important one is to teach you and AJ1, everything you would have learned sitting on the lap of your Grandpa Toronto. And Pater's not just referring to his encyclopedic knowledge of economics, finance, the English language and literature, or even single malt whisky. When Pater thinks of Grandpa Toronto the one attribute that always stands out was the extent he went to avoid conflict. He wasn't scared to express his opinion but at the same time he was someone who actively pursued peace with his fellow Man. And, AJ2, Mater and Pater hope that you and your sister will continue in your Grandpa Toronto's footsteps and grow into warm, friendly, loving, wise, respectful adults who avoid conflict and strive for peace.
Welcome to the world, AJ2. We've been expecting you for some time!
At first all we saw was this (13 weeks)...
...and then this (19 weeks)...
In the "outside world", we knew something was happening by week 33...
...and yet you seemed so content where you were, that by week 38 Mater decided it was time to serve an eviction notice. In her legal application to the courts, she claimed you were trespassing on her sciatic nerve, and partying on her bladder til the wee hours of the morning, causing her to wake up every hour on the hour. The courts ruled in her favour and so off we trundled to the hospital (yes, that is the court order Mater is holding in her hand)...
At 14:14 on November 14th 2011 you were born (we didn't check beyond minutes, but have decided to spook people out by saying that it was at 14 seconds). Pater never knew that Avocados could grow in such cold climes as Canada and yet you came out at a strapping 8 lbs 7 oz.
And, it turns out, you are a boy. Okay, yes, the signs were there, so we shouldn't have been surprised. But come on, who believes in old wives' tales like "Mater's carrying in front, it must be a boy" and "Mater's kept all her beauty, it must be a boy"? Well, actually, now the Hass Avocados do!
Within minutes, you were cleaned up and handed to Pater and Mater (a novel approach considering the experience we went through with AJ1 (see earlier posts)).
Four hours laters, you were showing off to the world what a content, quiet baby you can be. We know the tranquility won't last for ever, but we're enjoying what we can get while we can get it. And if you should bear any grudges for your rude eviction from the warmth and security of Mater, please remember who kicked you out!
AJ2, we're all overjoyed that you've finally joined our family. AJ1 will be meeting you tomorrow but how that relationship goes is for future posts (hopefully not alone the lines of Cain and Abel). For now Pater is enjoying sitting in our hospital room - admittedly on the most uncomfortable chair known to man - while Mater rests and you softly moan in your sleep having eaten your fill, been bathed, and done your first ever poo (for which the clean up operation was akin to post-Exxon Valdez but with fewer dead seagulls). As birthday presents go (yes, Pater was also born on November 14th), it's hard to imagine a better gift. Sleep well, AJ2 and know that your parents love you very much.
Where has the time gone, AJ1? You're two years old now, about to become a big sister and have even moved into a "big girl bed"...
From being totally reliant on us, you now have an opinion on most things, talk non-stop in fullish sentences, love singing, eat with cutlery (most of the time), drink from a proper cup with only minimal collateral damage, play so well with your multitude of friends, and are a genius with jigsaw puzzles. Basically, you are growing up way too fast for our liking, says I. Prove it, says you. Here goes, says I...
From our first visit to the zoo, you've been enamoured by the elephants.
Not that you didn't enjoy the more stationary animals at the zoo
And while Pater is obsessed with Toronto Zoo, you have broadened your horizons somewhat.
And even at home, you and Ursula the Bear are inseparable
Over the last 2 years, you've grown closer and closer to your cousins...
Posts
And let's not forget all your other Toronto family...
Even AJ1 was excited by your arrival! Admittedly it did involve you "buying" a present for her when she came to visit you in the hospital (we won't mention that Pater decided that her first visit to you should also be her first subway ride, a subway ride with lots of lovely germs for her to bring with to the hospital. Oh Pater!). And "buying" another present for her when you came home. As Pater said, let this be your first lesson - girls are high maintenance.
AJ1 has even started showing you the ropes. First came the ever important "twinkle twinkle little star". Next up - animal noises and jumping from the sofa. After that Mater and Pater shudder to think. We just pray it's legal!
In case it's not obvious during the next few, sleep-deprived, months, Mater loves you very much and can't wait to see what's next. Just not at 3am, please.
Truly your pater's daughter, once on your vacations you loved chilling on the beach or by the pool.
Not that you need to go away to have fun.
And let's not forget dressing up...
It hasn't been all work, work, work.
Perhaps the greatest joy for Mater and I has been watching you develop in normal, everyday tasks, like bathing...
...and eating...
...and eating...
Yup, it's been a fun two years and we're looking forward to many more to come With you and AJ2!
