What Is Sharing?

I've noticed that when playing with other people Dexter loves to hand out toys or objects. Sometimes he fixates on one individual and they receive a bounty from him. For example, one recent day in the park, Dexter noticed a woman sitting by herself at a picnic table and began bringing her wood chips from the play area. One by one, back and forth, he carried and offered wood chips to this wonderfully patient and receptive woman until she could no longer hold any in her hands and Dexter and I had to leave for dinner. In cases like this, I think Dexter is offering a connection, making a friend. At other times, Dexter seems to offer objects as a means of orchestrating the action. This happens at Wiggleworms when the shakers, bells, and tambourines come out and Dexter hands them out to his fellow Wiggleworms and their parents. At these times, Ben and I get lots of comments from other parents about what a good "sharer" Dexter is. And while my mouth is saying "thank you", my mind is saying, "this ain't sharing, this is directing". I suppose this distinction will become more apparent as Dexter's social interactions become more complex.

Visiting Margie

On our way home, we stopped at my friend Margie's house in Brookline to visit with her and her daughter Joita. Dexter enjoyed and afternoon playing with trucks in the sandbox, running through the sprinkler, visiting with Marjie's hens (and collecting eggs!), and playing basketball with Joita (then he slept like a log!). Mommy and Daddy got to enjoy some adult conversation with a good friend. We all got to enjoy home cooked meals with eggs straight from the hens! It was a relaxing end to our trip back east.

Taking the Truck for a Stroll

Ben was thankful it was a dump truck that he was pushing around in the stroller.

Special Friend

Dexter was very interested in the little barn in the goat petting area. He was so interested in walking in and out of the barn that it took a while for him to notice a special friend following him in and out.

Another Petting Zoo

It seems like we always find a way to a petting zoo on every trip we take. Maine was no exception. Ben and I took Dexter to the York Zoo where there was a wonderful petting zoo. Dexy hung out with deer and lots of goats. He gave lots of little goats lots of hugs and kisses but couldn't manage to get close enough to a deer to give love.

Family time!

Dexter had lots of play time with his cousins Riley and Teagan. Teagan is a month older than Dexter so they were similar in size and silly temperament. Riley is five and did a great job watching out for the little ones. Dexter also got to hang out with his Aunt Katie and finally meet his Uncle Rob and Uncle Rob's girlfriend, Kate. It was wonderful for me to spend some time with my brother and sister, both of whom I see all too infrequently.

Grandma and Grampy

Dexy had fun hanging out with his grandparents at their house.