Learning to Pretend

Nicholas has really started to pick up on this whole playing with dolls and stuffed animals thing. Today Elmo helped us do laundry again, completely on Nicholas' initiative. And Nicholas was very careful to hold both of Elmo's hands and have Elmo's hands do the work. (At least for the couple minutes before he got bored of that, threw Elmo on the ground, and started doing it himself.)

Elmo Picks up the Sock:

From 2011 February

Elmo Puts the Sock in the Hamper:

From 2011 February

Elmo claps for himself for doing a good job:

From 2011 February

I will admit that we have started occasionally using this new interest to our advantage. For example, when Nicholas brings us a book we are completely sick of reading, we suggest he reads it to Elmo or Johnny instead. He happily complies, sitting up on the couch with them and "reading" the book. Melts my heart.


Nicholas also often puts one or more of his dolls/stuffed animals to bed before going to bed himself (and wakes them up in the morning). Sometimes he does this on his own, although some nights we have started suggesting it as a way to transition from playtime to nighttime. Tonight all three of Nicholas' favorite stuffed friends got put to bed:

From 2011 February

They each have a special blanket and Nicholas gives them the sweetest kisses I've ever seen.

Night-night Elmo and Johnny:

From 2011 February