Today was our fourth visit with Kristina and our first test of wills. The visit started a little on the contrary side when we entered the playroom as she was eating an apple. Despite our motions to come sit with us, she climbed to the upper floor of the jungle gym and ate the apple there. It seemed a little contrary, but no big deal.

When she finally emerged we got out the ViewMaster with the Cinderella reels and this was a big hit. She quickly figured out how to work it and would squeal with delight as she saw each new slide come up.

As usual, We were taking pictures of her and showing her the snapshots every time she would say "PAKA-zhee" to us. Kristina then decided that she should take some pictures of us and we showed her how to manage this. The little stinker actually took some good shots of us.

The problem came when we needed to regain control of the camera. Kristina was not ready to give it up and it turned into a situation where we just had to tell her "No" and take the camera. The "big pout" ensued followed by the big "I'm ignoring you" and topped off with retreating into a small play house and shedding some tears.

We resisted playing into this behavior until it got to the tears. At that point We coaxed her out of the playhouse and all three of us hugged as Robin and I told her "NEE plach" (don't cry). The camera was put away for the rest of the session and things were a bit subdued until we started playing with some of the rubber balls.

After a bit we were playing catch with the balls and she was having me chase her around the jungle gym until she got to Mama's lap which was the safe zone. Some more ViewMaster, a little bit of the trampoline, and our session ended on a happy note.