John

Upon our return from New York we put up our Christmas tree.  Berkeley has been asking to put up the Christmas tree for nearly two weeks, so he was thrilled to put it up finally.  It was exciting to see how excited he was about all things Christmas; I honestly have lived for these days!  I love the magic of Santa, Christmas trees, angels and Baby Jesus.  It is fun to see my sweet son get so excited as he learns about each of these things.  

This year not only did Berkeley help us put up our Christmas tree, but also his imaginary friend John.  John has been around for a few months; what I know about him is that he is a "worker," "has time" to play with Berkeley and likes to play soccer.  He generally comes with us when we travel and has always been friendly, although he often gives Berke permission to do things that his parents tell him he cannot do.

Berkeley often asks us questions on John's behalf, as he too has an inquisitive mind.

Last night we experienced Berkeley "become" John during the tree decorating.  He informed us that Berkeley was at hockey practice, so he was going to help us put ornaments on the tree.  John was a great helper, and overall, very friendly.  He appeared to share the Christmas excitement with Berkeley.  When Berkeley came back from playing hockey, he informed me that John really loves our "beautiful home" and would like to stay with us.  I agreed to let John stay since he has proven to be such a pleasant young man.  Berkeley often talks to John as he is falling asleep at night; they giggle and sing together.  Berke is a bit bossy to John, telling him what he can and cannot do. 

It is quite simply adorable.

It really has been fun and interesting to see Berkeley's imagination run wild.  I try to be in the world he is in, to encourage this play.  He seems to enjoy it so much that just last week he got a new imaginary friend named Hawkeye.  He is clearly an Avenger and is not a good listener; when I tell he cannot come to daycare with us, he jumps in the car with us, when I tell him not to walk on the ceiling he does so anyway.  (This makes Berke laugh for hours (aka eggs him on)).  Hawkeye, as Berke puts it, is a "nice, bad guy." I'm still out as to if I am a fan of Hawkeye or not.  It really is hard to keep up with all these imaginary friends, yet amazing as to how I like some of them so much more than others.

Do your kids have imaginary friends?  I don't remember ever having one, but I sort of love that my son has one (or two).