Imaginary friend?

I'll admit it: I was secretly looking forward to the imaginary friend stage. My mom's stories about Sarah and her friends Jack and Peehee are hilarious, so I was just waiting to see what sort of crazy army of friends Mabes would dream up. Sadly, it hasn't happened. So I'm thinking the closest thing to an imaginary friend Mabes will have is a personified stuffed rocket.

Mabes, Rocket, and her dolls in her laundry basket boat.

Last week, she was carrying Rocket around by the antenna. I told her she needed to stop or it would break off, and she, shockingly, didn't listen. So I told her that Rocket doesn't like it when she picks him up by the antenna. It hurt him and was like pulling his hair. She stuck out her lower lip, hung her head in shame, and went to her room. When she came out, she went to Rocket, hugged him, and whispered what I can only guess is some sort of apology. She hasn't carried him by the antenna since.

This one's for Becca

Other things about Rocket that I've learned recently, courtesy of Mabes: He's her best friend, he's her brother (funny, I don't remember giving birth to a rocket), they have the same birthday, he's also 3, he likes broccoli, hates avocado, loves snow, daffodils, and dancing; he dislikes dragons and big jet, and laughs at all her jokes. And he likes to cuddle and wishes he could join in family hugs.

And I knew it would happen: she is now a better artist than I am (damning with faint praise?). She wanted to draw Rocket a picture, so this is what she came up with:


If you or your child is into Little Einsteins, I'm sure you can guess what it's supposed to be. It was her attention to detail that impressed me: note June's headband and earrings, Annie's blue dress with green sleeves, and Rocket's intact antenna.


Oh, and a confession: Mabes came out of her room and caught me tossing an M&M speck-tacular egg (hurrah! I finally found them!) in my mouth. She suspected immediately. Eyebrows raised, sneaky smile, "Mommy...what are you eating?"

"Uhhhhh...avocado! Do you want some?"

She sighed, disappointed. "Nooooo fank you. I don't like avocado," and walked back to her room.