The Gentle Inner Core of A Restless Lad

People may find Daniel a bit rough-and-tumble, but he insisted, and indeed received, a Mulan doll for Christmas. Also, he wanted very much to go to Disney's "Princesses On Ice," and only missed it because he was sick (along with Ian).

This is consistent with the overall Danielian Paradox. He loves to be as outrageous as he can - taking every opportunity to climb on me, ride my shoulders, jump on me with a running start, etc. - and he also tries to think of the most awful things he can to say to me "You don't love this boy," in response to my "I love this boy," etc., but then when I'm reading him a story or we're watching a movie on TV, very often he'll quietly climb onto my lap and even stroke my chin, or head, or otherwise show some deep tenderness, without saying a word.

(January/February, 2011)