Pretend Play

Joi Straaten
Sandy Utah USA
From NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 23 No. 6, November-December 2006, p. 254

My daughters, Ruby (nine years old), LilahRose (seven years old), Isabella, (four years old), and I were having lunch today. Lilah had her baby doll in a sling at the table, and she was explaining to Ruby (they're extremely good at pretend play!) that her daughter was adopted and while she was still in the hospital, the nurses gave her a bottle, and she was unhappy with them! Then she said, "My baby is one month old and nursing three times a day." Ruby replied with, "You need to be nursing your baby 12 times a day, so you can build up your supply."

I almost choked on my sandwich! I smiled to myself and let them continue their matter of fact conversation. I realized that they really "get it." Then, Lilah turned to me and said, "My baby is attached, she's always in the sling right next to me." I could have just cried!