We have some American friends with two kids–Audrey (3) and Noah (~16 months), who invited us to spend some time with them at a house near Nelson. Ah, a kid-friendly house! First night we arrived Milo got to share the bathtub and the bath toys, and the next day I did some laundry and Milo played with (or competed with) the kids. It’s interesting to watch the different styles. Audrey gently holds the two blocks together to make a circle, then peers through it at the nicely framed world, while Milo makes a little tower of blocks, runs around showing it off, then obliterates it with one swoop. Audrey is affectionate and likes to sit on my lap, which brings out Milo’s jealousy in about half a second. Mama’s lap belongs to HIM, or so he thinks!

Though Milo competes with Audrey for just about anything she has, he sees Noah as a baby and is usually gentle with him. Plus, he shares his cookies!