Creativity

Though I have had lots of posts about James and his development, I've also been enjoying watching Dani grow and develop her personality. She LOVES to play and is quite creative. Though she LOVES toys, she often takes every day items and pretend they are toys. Here is a small sample of what Dani has done over the last few months. Please know that these are her creations not prompted or demonstrated by me.

She has cared for her brother.

She has dressed up

sometimes in normal dress up clothes with new special shoes
Sometimes in favorite new dresses

Sometimes in her own "princess dresses"

My high heels are her "glass slippers"Some days she prefers not to get dressed at all. Though this is because her nightgown is like a "pretty dress"

She also loves to make pattern ("paduwin") necklacesIt is not uncommon for me to be cooking dinner only to have a super hero run into the room exclaiming "Don't worry Mom! I'll save you!"

She has made "carpet angels"

This was her "instructions" which she requested that we take everywhere (the store, restaurants etc). I just didn't feel like toting it around.

Since James came along, her "purse" has been a favorite toy to grab while I am occupied.

While at a restaurant the other day she picked up her knife and fork to show Dad how to play a violin. She stuck it under her chin like that without any instructions. I think she learned this from Elmo on Sesame Street.

Dani has been fighting naps for a while and since James came, I've not been feeling up to the fight. We've come to a compromise. She can stay on the couch and watch my shows with me if she tries to go to sleep and take a nap on the couch. The great thing is there is little set up and no complaining because she doesn't have to nap in her room. I just have to leave the TV on or she will wake up to tell me it turned off.

Over all she is a very sweet, helpful, and obedient little girl.