Sophie is having a hard time playing by herself recently. It's taking quite a bit of encouragement to get her out from underfoot and onto a game of her own (which are invariably awesome and creative). The other day she resorted to playing with her sister. Oh my it was fun. For three minutes. But still, what a start.

Seeing them together reminds me of how much Zoo is taking in . She diligently copies our interactions with Rosy. When we coo and ahh and tickle and laugh with her, Sophie does the same. Something is working- she praises Rosy's cute toes and her tiny ears. She brings her toys when they're on the floor together. The resentment comes and goes, but there is also acceptance, and a smidgen of pride. It's an awfully sweet Christmas present.

Speaking of which, Sophie's first Christmas good deed is documented on the big blog. We took rawhide candy canes to the local animal shelter. It was too loud to distribute them individually, but the dogs in need will have a treat, thanks to Sophie.