Imaginary Pets

Emma is just so imaginative. The a few months ago Emma had her hand all balled up. I thought maybe she had a button or coin in her hand and I pried her hand open because she wasn't being very cooperative. When I realized that nothing was in her hand I asked her what she was holding. She said, "a bear." "Oh, a bear", I said. Ever since then I've noticed that she carries around an animal in one of her hands. It changes regularly, it's been a kitten, bear, giraffe, pony, ect. I am starting to wonder if she picks an animal based on her emotions. Mostly I have noticed when she is in a new environment where she might be scared it is usually a big animal like the bear. One day I asked her what animal she was holding and she said "a kitten". What color is your kitten I asked. "Pink" she replied. Well, what is the kitty's name? "Hmmm, thinking", she said as she tapped her chin. Then she said "tickle". She carried around a pink kitty named tickle for a while. It is interesting to watch her carry it too. It is very real to her. When we are out and I want her to hold my hand and that happens to be the hand she is carrying her animal, well, then she switches it to the other hand. When she washes her hands after using the bathroom she puts her animal on the counter and then picks it up after she is done. Keep in mind this is all imaginary, she really isn't holding anything. It is just amazing to me. It probably comforts her somehow. I just can't believe a 2 1/2 year old could be so clever.