New friend

LILY

Piper's imaginary friends began with Zach, a puppy, when she was close to 3 yrs old.  Baby and Kitty came on the scene shortly after.  Nearly two years later, a new addition to the imaginary team has arrived.....Lily. 

Lily is a high school girl who often looks after Zach.  Lily is responsible, she drives them around or babysits them, and helps them stay out of trouble.

Often, I must unlock the front door so the friends can run errands with us or go to school with Piper.  And, sometimes, I simply open my car door so Zach can get in.  I never know when the friends are with us but Piper lets me know if I lock them out.  She becomes very upset with me - as if I knew what I was doing!

As I am driving, Piper will start laughing and talking to one of them "Kitty you are so funny" or she will start crying and say "Zach hit me".  She creates elaborate, in depth, and detailed stories with her imaginary friends.  And typically, the friends get in trouble for the same things Piper has gotten in trouble for earlier that day.  Zach was not allowed to come over for a while because Piper would blame him for things she did --- this is when Lily appeared.  She often takes care of Zach so he doesn't get into trouble.

She is beginning to understand the difference between pretend and reality so it's only a matter of time before these friends leave us for good.  I will be really sad when they go but somewhat relieved that she doesn't have split personality disorder. ha ha

My Uncle Frank created an imaginary family with his daughter (Jami), and I was fortunate to be a part of the storyline.  He was the baby, my cousin was the mama, and I was the aunt.  We had a lot of fun with my uncle.  I believe my uncle inspired and nurtured our imaginations.  He passed away at a young age but his memory and dynamic personality are forever vivid in my mind.  Hopefully, my cousin will write a series of children's books about her childhood.

Piper's father and I had a make believe family while we were dating, complete with figurines that we collected along the way (Cool Beans Bear, Tiny Turtle, Tiniest Turtle, Mia Monkey, Shades Shark, Merry Mermaid, Ellie Elephant, Pretty Peacock, Kind Kitty, Happy Hopper, Mr. Ducky, Harry Horn frog, etc).  And I had another make believe family with a guy I dated (Sally Mae and Jim Bob - and our stories were pretty elaborate and creative too).  My friend, Mandy, believes I may end up in an asylum one day! Ha Ha 

My Uncle was perfectly sane and so am I ;o)

Peace and Bunny Ears,
Aimee