Our Journal - takahē

It was bitterly cold this morning. I made sure we were rugged up for our morning walk. You had on your new purple beanie and scarf that Jess gave you for your birthday. We saw Emmie and the twins at the coffee cart. After a quick chat about the weather, they headed to the playground, while we went our usual route around the lake.

You weren’t interested in your favourite raspberry yoghurt at lunch. Maybe your taste buds are changing. I’ve added the apricot and plum flavours to the shopping list.

I read to you before your afternoon nap. Even if you can’t understand it, I like reading you the te reo editions of Charlie Tangaroa, they keep my tongue learning our language.

You had another tantrum, but I’m getting better at dealing with them. The coffee group ladies are so supportive and have given me a few ideas on how to distract you. Playing Taylor Swift (of all things) helped settle you.

I am lucky that you enjoy your bath. The warm water seems to calm you. Tonight, I am sure I saw the tensions of your day dissolve into the lavender-scented bubbles.

I found my baby blanket in my hope chest and have added it to our bedtime ritual. I laid it across you and tucked it in snugly around you. I turned on your nightlight and pressed play on the rainfall app. I kissed you on the forehead and whispered in your ear, ‘Thank you, Mum, I love you.’

Cindy Kurukaanga lives in the north of Aotearoa, New Zealand. A latecomer to creative writing and having a blast doing it. She is failing at working less to write more. She was thrilled to get a special mention in Given Words 2025. You can find her on Bluesky @kakapowhakatoi.bsky.social