Child is a stubborn little cur. We left with the typical accouterments of modern toddler life: milk, cereal, baby doll and a jacket. Oh the jacket. As we're leaving I try to get her to wear it. "No, she shouts, no jacket". "Kelly, it's cold outside. You might need it for the park". "NO JACKET".

She sulks walking down the stairs, then continues her wailing and lacrimations as we cross 21st street. Dissatisfaction with her cereal choice didn't help matters any despite the material in the bag being the very same substance she was ingesting just a few minutes prior in the living room. The baby doll was a compromise choice. She wanted to bring her beach chair, insisting that Miss Virginia wouldn't mind if it was folded up.

The jacket was stowed in the buggy bag (secretly, as she's have tossed her spleen if she knew we had with us). The wind picked up on seventh avenue and I asked her if she was cold. Shakes head. A few more blocks and she's shivering and has goose bumps. Again I ask, pointing out the goose flesh. "NO! I'M NOT COLD" comes her answer. Well. Fine. Be cold.

We arrive and she sees Pauline in the lobby which sends her into spasms of glee. Despite an offer of help she takes her milk, cereal, baby, and bag of clothes back to her cubby. I had her sling the bag over her shoulder so she looked like a homeless guy with a bag full of recyclables. Pauline followed to prevent escape attempts.