Dolly

Viva owns six or more dolls. She plays with them now and again, but not regularly. If she has the stroller out, she might put a doll in...or a hoard of Matchbox cars. She sleeps with one or two or three dolls, but doesn't usually cuddle any of them.

Jake owns one doll. Grandma Karen and Grandpa Tim gave Viva and Jake a pair of twin dolls for Christmas two years ago. At first the dolls were ignored, but then they became more popular with the twins. Six or so months ago the twins started taking the dolls to bed with them.

Jake is a more caring parent than Viva. He insists that his doll have a blanket and bottle. Viva isn't that particular. For the past month or two Jake has been a very attentive daddy. He takes his doll to bed and he takes her downstairs in the morning to play time. The past couple of weeks dolly has been taking a nap with him.

The only thing I can fault Jake on is his naming. Dolly?! I've suggested he give his doll a better name, but he has ignored me.

I just had this conversation with Jake about Dolly .

"Dolly has a bruise!"

Jake pointed to Dolly's head. I examined Dolly and discovered some light green paint on the top of her head.

I asked him, "How did Dolly get a bruise?"

No response.

"Did she hit a wall?"

Jake replied, "Yes, she hit a wall." (Although this really makes no sense because our walls are painted brown and Jake doesn't throw Dolly. He's a good daddy.

I used a baby wipe to clean the paint off her head and Jake took Dolly away to put her to bed.