Smith Family Weblog

In the past few months, Ava’s idea of “play” has really changed.

Instead of just dressing and diapering and undressing and rediapering babies, there’s a purpose behind everything. Now, the babies have to get dressed to go somewhere: the store, the doctor’s office, daycare, the park. Rather than just rearranging the contents of her little kitchen, she makes you chicken noodle soup and pickles and serves it to you for lunch.

Every playscene has a story behind it: “We’re going to the store to buy some milk. I’m taking my phone in case you need to call me while I’m gone.” (Yes, seriously. And, I know.)

There are elaborate situations within each session. For example, we’ll find Ava sitting quietly in the pantry with her babies. When you ask her what’s up, she says that she’s in the waiting room at the pediatrian’s. (If only she were so patient in real life.)

You have to be pretty careful–almost everything she overhears is fodder for play. The other day, she asked me if  I could please pick her babies up from preschool so she could go “watch the game with Dave.” (Ahem.)

It’s an interesting developmenal stage–one that provides a fascinating glimpse into her little (and very busy) mind.