Manipulate

Abby knows very well what our reaction would be to her actions/words. She knows exactly what she says or do will make us happy, angry, or jump with concern. I feel sometimes she is doing it deliberately like directing a play (I don't have any evidence for this...just a feeling).

Maybe when she is bored, she will do something knowing she'll get punished (put bottle cap in mouth or touch computer). She seems willing to take the consequences. She seems to know when I have my hands full and can't get to her. Or when we are in public (I am more hesitant to hit her). She also started to pretend that she is afraid.

Abby knows how to get attention, too. She'll ask for me to read a book or ask for help for something (she may or may not know how to do). She knows how to get praises as she cleans her toys without being asked or being real quiet when Annabel is sleeping. Or go hug and kiss daddy when he gets home/leave for work.

She imitates how we play with Annabel. She'll say a word, go close to Annabel, shakes her head a little during the process. Or she'll put a teething toy in Annabel's mouth and try to prevent it from falling out. I often wonder whether she really loves Annabel or just doing it for my reaction (praising her for being a good sister) or just thinks Annabel is a her doll.