This is the first time David and Mary played together:
David really enjoyed pushing Mary around the hospital. I think Mary was asleep. They were both happy, and that's what matters, right?Since then, I like to pretend that they have played together on a regular basis. But their "playing" has consisted primarily of wrestling (a lot of wrestling!) and snatching toys from each another. Sure, David has played a little peek-a-boo and hide-n-seek (like this day) with Mary, he'll generally tolerate her presence in his play (like this), and he can be quick to help care for her (like this). But it's not like they really, truly play together.
Yet.
I am beginning to have hope that they will be consistent playmates. The day may not be too far off. Maybe even less than a year. For one thing, Mary knows how to push Thomas along the track, drive a Matchbox car, and fly a toy airplane through the sky--all essential skills. Additionally, David has begun to communicate with Mary more as a playmate/peer than as a baby. Sometimes he even has rather lengthy conversations with her (though they're more like monologues). Like last night, they were in the bath together, and their "conversation" went like this:
DAVID: Mary, do you want to play dress up? Let's play dress up, Mary. I'll wear this washcloth. You're the boy, Mary. I'm the mommy. Mary Boy! Mary Boy! Time for bed. Time to get ready for bed, Mary Boy. Ready? One...two...three...time for bed, Mary Boy!
Meanwhile, Mary sat there in the bubbles, with her toothbrush in her mouth, staring blankly at her brother...Okay, so we still have a ways to go...
But they were both happy, and that's what matters, right?
