Katie and her friends at the park

Katie received her first birthday present on Thursday. I am not sure if I should think it is cute or if I should be terrified of things to come. A little boy that we play with several times during the week picked out the present himself. Jake is an adorable 18 month old boy that has befriended Katie.

Jake's mother loves Katie because her son has warmed up to her. Jake is a shy little boy and is usually terrified by other little ones. The first time Jake and Katie met at the park, Katie handed him her cup so that he could play in the water with her. From that moment on, Jake decided he like Katie and started talking to her. His mother was shocked because this is not normal behavior for Jake. Whenever we arrive at the park he runs over to Katie. I cannot seem to get Katie out of the stroller fast enough for him. They love to play in the water together. Jake is a great friend because he lets Katie hold on to him when she starts to fall or when she needs help standing up. It is really quite cute.

Jake's mom knew that Katie's birthday is this Saturday so she and Jake went shopping. He picked out this cute little giraffe that lights up and plays music. It is the perfect gift for Katie – lights and music! When we arrived at the park Thursday Jake came running over with a wrapped present. I quickly removed Katie from the stroller and he handed the present to her With his help, Katie opened up her giraffe with a big smile. They took turns pushing the buttons to play the music.

Katie LOVES other kids. She is very social when it comes to other children (adults are another story). We have been working with her on sharing her toys. On a nightly basis she empties her toy box one by one and hands each toy to Daddy. He responds “thank you” (and usually throws the toys back in the box when she isn't looking). I think she is learning. When we go to the park we take several plastic cups so she can fill them up with water (who needs toys when you have cups!). When another child comes near her she is quick to give him/her the cup she is playing with so the other child can play as well. She doesn't need a toy or cup as long as she has a friend to splash with. Her sharing nature is rewarded by having friendships like the one she has with Jake.