Imagination

One of the great joys of parenting has been watching Ben develop his imagination. Don't get me wrong--I'm also excited to see him learning letters and colors and galloping. But his imagination gives me insight into his personality, and a glimpse of the person he may become.

Ben has learned that you can pretend things are other things. He will take his sippy cup, put it in his bowl, and announce that he's grinding coffee. He will seat his stuffed dog and cat in his toy wagon and say he's taking them to preschool (which seems to be over by the front door). Sometimes he declares he's Big Bird. His battery-less flashlight is alternately a camera, a pogo stick, or a trumpet, which he "plays" by humming into the end.

When Ben was a baby, I marveled to see him discovering the world around him. Now, I marvel to see him discovering how the mind can shape the world.