It is interesting to watch two children play with the same sets of toys at the same age and observe the differences.  For the most part are two are complete opposites.  Her favorite toys are generally his least favorite.  The ones he plays with constantly are not her favorite.  At least this is the case for the younger children toys.  It started with the womb sounds bear.  It was bought for her in the crib.  Not. Her. Thing.  He had to have it to sleep at night.  He wouldn't know what to do without a ride on toy.  She never rode one around the house (she did however like for us to ride her around on one in the driveway).  The observation only works to a point though as if the other child is around, then naturally they both want the toy even if neither really wants it.  Sibling rivelry already.  Sigh.

Anyway, back to where I was going with this.  She had a Tickle Me Elmo TMX (well, at least I think that's his name).  He laughs, drops down, rolls around laughing, stands back up and will repeat if you "tickle" him again.  Well, she got this when she was 2 for Christmas.  We thought it would be a HUGE hit.  Instead she cried when he fell down, fearing he was hurt.  Poor child wouldn't play with him for a year because she was convinced he was hurting or something.  Then she finally got into him and realized he is LAUGHING.  Now he is a "good" toy in her book.  Now it is his turn to ponder if Elmo is laughing or hurt.

See when he starts out all is good.  But then when he drops to the ground and rolls around laughing he gets a very concerned look on his face (not the best photo of it, but trust me he is VERY concerned for Elmo's well being).

The difference is that he has his big sister there laughing with Elmo.  So since she likes it, he figures he must too.  But you can't tell he isn't 100% sold. 

So I'm guessing it wasn't just our eldest child that has an issue with this toy and that other children may have had similar reactions.  Anyone else go through this?  

Now the Elmo that dances and does the E-L-M-O version of Y-M-C-A is a whole different story.  He was a huge hit from the moment he was opened (same age).  I'm guessing it is the laughing sound that they aren't clear on how to take.  Because sometimes the dancing Elmo will lose his balance (especially on carpet) and fall over and say something along the lines of please help Elmo.  And that worried her and now him.  Guess they are just very sensitive to anyone they know being hurt including their beloved Elmos.