Kids we love: Elaina and Ney-ney

Always an early arriver, Elaina and Ney-ney are the first ones at daycare a rare morning that I’m here to open. Sharmila gets the list printed while Elaina and I turn on the fish light. She starts to climb onto the step with her soft purple blanket in her arms.

“Why don’t you put Ney-ney in the chair, so he can see?” I suggest, taking one down from the stack, and placing it in view of the fishtank.

Ever-considerate of Ney-ney’s comfort, Elaina obliges, and settles him on the chair, tucking him in. With her hands free, she climbs up safely, and watches as the fish gobble up the food. Elaina and I can talk about the fish, and she can point out other animals too. And her Ney-ney. She uses sentences now, and occasionally she tells me about things that don’t include Ney-ney… but not very often.

Ney-ney is Elaina’s confidant and companion, the star of all her stories, who shares her painting mishaps and her nap cot. When Elaina started dropping her daycare rest, her bad mood affected Ney-ney the most! She pushed and struggled against him (and sleep) until he was removed.

Like any good security detachment, Ney-ney is a bit suspicious of new people, at first, but once you get to know him, he’s an easy-going guy. He’s fond of the banana from the toy kitchen, and being on good terms with him goes a long way with Elaina, as well. She trusts him, and if he’s included, she’s willing to try anything. (Ever heard the song “Watch me Ney-ney“? It’s one of Elaina’s favs.)

Ney-ney loves tea parties, and he’s always up for a stroller cruise through the centre, plus he’s a friend to snuggle when the nap room lights went out. And quite the traveler.

“Did you tell Talia about our holiday?” her mom asks, as she heads to the gate. “And going to the beach?”

Elaina looks over at us, nods seriously, and glances at her friend in the chair. 

“Ney-ney,” she says, nodding again, before turning back to the fish. “Ney-ney. Sand. Ney-ney.”

Typical Ney-ney. 🙂