Well we went to MOCHA and DD absolutely loved it. We got there when they first opened which was nice and she got to paint a lot. She actually GOT the whole paint on the paper thing, I guess because we draw and do finger paints, maybe she does art at daycare too. She made a mess but it was controllable. At least for the most part, she didn't throw a tantrum when I would take the paint away or wash her hands. she did play dough, they have a little play house, our friends came, she saw her little buddy. AND it turns out they didn't even have a 2 year birthday party. She said they don't have parties until the kids turn 3! I didn't even know that.
We also decided to get together for brunch, she said she'd let me know when her DH has a free weekend. I swear if she is feeling threatened by me, she's nuts. I have known her husband for 20 years and seriously, if we were going to get together we would have done it a long time ago. And we never ever did since we knew we would not work out (at least he knew it and I had to reluctantly agree), and then not be friends anymore and look where we are today, still friends and our kids play together. I could not be happier with our decision 19 years ago.
I decided a long time ago to let this stuff pass so we could maintain the relationship and I'm glad I did, she is basically OK. Thanks for all the advice.
Re: F/U to advice needed post
Yeah, well this is probably the case. Also she has three young children, and a a LOT of friends (they had 25 people over for Passover). I choose to believe she likes me, because one time I was walking in Montclair village and she came running out of a coffee shop where she was sharing a snack with her eldest, to shout my name and ask us to join them. So who would do that if she genuinely disliked you? I guess I just got a little paranoid this morning. thanks for the support!