Playing favorites

Serene has been engaging in longer periods of play these past few weeks. She doesn't have many playthings, which I didn't realize until a couple of people pointed it out. The toys she does have are all beloved hand-me-downs or thoughtful gifts, for we are trying to be purposeful in ensuring she doesn't wind up with her personal toy store. We hope that rather than possessing a slew of toys that are easily forgotten, Serene would foster a deeper appreciation for the few quality (and unique) playthings she does have. Maybe this is another one of our lofty parenting ideals that might go out the window as well, but since she has been born, the only play-related object Alex and I got her was her carseat mobile when she was 2 months old.

Once we saw her interest in play heighten and after we learned that babies near 6 months of age begin to develop a fondness for a stuffed buddy, we bought her her first lovey not too long ago. I love the stuffed fox friend not only because I find it adorable with its striped skirt, scalloped collar, and teeny buttons, but more so because it's knitted and I knew I could never make something like it for Serene (my knitting know-how ends at flat things like scarves). Serene took an immediate affection to it, and it is currently the toy that makes her happiest. She kicks her legs in excitement, waves her hands in glee, and eagerly reaches for it with the hugest, wide-mouthed grin whenever we place it in sight. We have never seen her gravitate towards another toy in this way. The only other plaything that Serene prefers to a similar degree is Sophie le giraffe, but only because she has ascertained by now that Sophie provides satisfying teething comfort.

Alex named Serene's fox friend Cosette, and we're pretty pleased Serene has such a strong affinity to her. They've been sharing oodles of hugs, chats, and slobbery kisses. Alex thinks Serene's attachment to Cosette is so endearing that he wants to get another lovey for her, stat. But then again, he also wanted to acquire all the Frozen dolls for her after we watched the movie for the first time last week (I know I'm late in the game, but who wants to chat about how legit that movie is on so many levels?!). And he was about to buy her a toddler-sized kitchen before she was even born. His reason eventually presides over his emotions most of the time, and we intermittently get her what we hope she could appreciate the rest of the time. Because just as Serene plays favorites with Cosette, we like to play favorites with our Serene Joy.