No pressure

Each of my kids has a special animal that they love on at night.  If you have read my blog for any amount of time you may already know about Landon's affection for his constant companion, "Monkey."

Annika has her "Brown Bear" which she has had since she was 6 months old.  One of the legs hangs about an inch longer than the other one because of the love it's been shown.

Taryn's "Beary" is beloved.  Even though she acts as though she doesn't really need to sleep with it, the relief on her face is obvious if it was found after an unwanted absence (usually because it was lost among the toys in the basement...even though they know not to take their "loved ones" out of their bedrooms).

Simon is starting to gravitate towards a soft little bunny that lives in his crib.  This sweet hare is still incredibly soft and smells good. The appendages are all in one piece and the tag hasn't been rubbed to shreds. I am expecting the ears to be sucked on which will lead to the need for a washing and then the softness will start to go away.  But, I have a feeling it too will be loved.

What does all this have to do with pressure?  Well, each one of the above "lovies" was given to the child by a special auntie or grandma.  Auntie Anna gave Annika "Brown Bear" at her first Christmas.  "Beary" was given to Taryn by Grandma P soon after she was born.  Grandma P also gave Landon "Bunkey." And Auntie Rachel lovingly picked out Simon's little bunny.

Now it's my turn.  My sister Anna and her hubby just welcomed their sweet little guy into the world about 3 weeks ago.  Naturally, I called dibs on choosing what Chase's lovey would be.  It's only fair since my sisters got to pick out my kids'.  No big deal, right?  Wrong!

I recently took a look at the stuffed animal selection at a local baby store.  What to choose?  What lovey should be the soothing presence for Chase when he needs an extra snuggle at night?  Which animal will slowly lose it's fur because of the tender touch of a toddler?  Which little lovey will sit on the bed all day just waiting for bedtime hugs?  Which stuffed toy will be brought to show-and-tell and say "This is from my Auntie Rebekah, I sleep with it every night and think of how much she loves me."  O.k. maybe that last one is over-dramatic.  But, you get the point!

The pressure filled selection will be a present for Chase's first Christmas so I have a bit of time.  In the meantime, I will be scouring the baby aisles full of plushy stuffed animals looking for the lovey that will speak to me.  At the very least, Chase will know that his soft little friend was chosen with love and maybe a teensy bit of crazy.

In the end, that boy better like it.  No pressure or anything.