Mikes

I can usually gauge the level of amity between the two boys by the way Spencer speaks to Michael. Tone and what is being said are instructive, but don't always paint the full picture. However, if I hear Spencer refer to his brother as "Mikes" I know beyond a doubt that Spencer is feeling happy and cooperative with Michael and that, if only for a short while, their games will not be marred by disharmony or discord. I am pleased to report that I heard many "Mikes" over the weekend. Here is a sampling of their activities over the last few days, while peace and goodwill reigned.

While I was out running errands, my boys created a store. I call it a store because that is what they called it. To the untrained eye it looked like a plastic garbage bag stuffed with toys they no longer wanted. They dumped the bag out and immediately began trying to make sales. First let me say that my timing was good as they happened to be having a sale just then. Patrick did not fare as well as I. He paid full price for everything he purchased (he is not a savvy shopper). Second, I was too troubled by the idea of buying anything from them that I still considered my own property to agree to buy anything that fit that category (am I wrong?). In the end I purchased two stuffed animals, a small bottle of bubbles, a small change purse, a necklace, a toy hippo, a toy elephant and a toy bus. The total cost to me - 46 cents.

Upon waking Saturday morning, the boys created "mouse houses." I was still sleeping at that time and dreaming (coincidentally?) of mice. The mouse houses are shoe boxes that the boys decorated with "NO CATS" signs, mirrors, beds, couches, lamps, chairs, etc. The boys worked out all of the furniture and decorations themselves. Each boy felt (deservedly) a lot of pride in his accomplishment. They explained to me in detail each of the bits of furniture and decoration. I learned that the couch actually converts into a bed. As the couch/bed is a cotton ball, I did not ask for a demonstration (though maybe I should have).

Michael is helping Spencer learn to read. He is very patient with Spencer and sounds the letters out and asks Spencer questions as they go along, like "what sound does a 'D' make?" Spencer is intent and serious. It is clear he is trying very hard. I can't decide which boy is cuter. A few months ago I made flash cards for Spencer with words such as "MOM," "DOG," "BUG," etc. On the first round with the flash cards, Spencer was great. He sounded out the words and I grew increasingly confident that he'd be reading within the week. Then we got to "HAT." We sounded it out, "H" makes "ha", "A" makes "ah" and "T" makes "teh", put it together and......"Horse" Spencer announced proudly.