Little Socialite

Our Gabi girl loves to have playmates. Perhaps it is because we get together with the playgroup so often, but the kids all play together so well. I expected just to see parallel play in two-year-olds, but as Gabi's second birthday rolled around, I observed basic turn-taking behavior in these toddlers, such as when working together to build a tower or put a puzzle together. The kids love to hold hands, and they generally share well. Gabi is fairly shy, though, so she prefers smaller groups (two or three kids).

Gabi with her playgroup buddies.
The kids enjoy comforting each other when they notice one is sad, too. (You may recall Gabi kissing Martin to make him feel better last November.) Gabi is very affectionate, always wanting to give us hugs and kisses. Of course, when trying to cheer up a friend, they tend to offer their own favorite toy, rather than realizing that someone else might prefer something different. Still, I am impressed by the generosity, and it's fun to watch all her friends interact.


Grayson and Gabi dragged these chairs to face each other.


Jackson and Gabi rock baby Ben in his swing.


Gabi helps to keep baby Ben happy.
Gabi is going to be such a great big sister!


Gabi at John Howell Park, watching her friends drive the fire truck.


Carter, Gabi, and Drew playing piano.


Gabi was too scared to ride the swing, but
she was glad to push Mommy in a swing at McKoy Park.
When Gabi doesn't have a friend to keep her company (and she can't convince a parent to join her in floortime play), her dolls and stuffed animals (along with her incredible imagination) suffice.

Gabi helps her doll Ella sit in a chair at Grady hospital.


Gabi playing with her new Disney toys.
In these pictures, Gabi is sharing a tea party with her baby doll "Asha" and her favorite animal friend "Blue" (from Blues Clues). Gabi usually serves both sweet tea and chocolate milk at her tea parties. As we haven't yet gotten Gabi a proper tea set, she makes do with what she has. At times like this, it would be useful to have audio to accompany these pictures, since they make a bit more sense with Gabi's constant narration.

"I'm having a tea party with Asha and Blue!"
Gabi pours tea for Asha from her toy corn-on-the-cob
into a plastic star shape while Blue drinks from a pot.


"Want to drink some chocolate milk?"
Mommy took pity on our poor little girl and found
some plastic cups for her to use in her tea party.
(Yes, she is pretending that chocolate milk comes out of the faucet.)