Last night Jake decided that his baby brother could sleep with bear. I said, “What?! But won’t you be sad?” He replied, “Oh don’t worry I can sleep with another stuffed animal if I want.” He handed bear over to Jameson who happily took him slobbery kisses and hugs.
I can’t decide at this point who is more attached to bear. Bear is a symbol of Jake’s babyhood. One of his first words was beah (bear). When Jake was about a year old, I searched high and low for a “lovey” that Jake would want to get attached to. But, wouldn’t you know it, he chose his own. There happened to be a brown stuffed bear inside a bag of other stuffed animals that used to be my mom’s.
This bear quickly became his side kick and went everywhere with us. I even bought a “spare” bear just in case this one was lost. He became part of our family. Jake still likes to rub bear’s nose with just the tips of his fingers because he says it’s the softest part. He sometimes takes my fingers and rubs them on bear’s nose to show me just how comforting and soft it really is. This incredible bear has also been called scare bear because he chases away the scary monsters and shadow in his room. Oh how I love this now matted bear.
When it was time to find a “lovey” for Jameson, Jake thought we really should give him spare bear. He LOVED the idea that they would now both have a bear in their life. I happily agreed because it meant we would have bear with us for at least a few more years. One evening I looked on the video monitor and James was rubbing spare bear’s nose just like Jake does!
By the way, I decided not to let baby brother sleep with bear just in case. No sooner than Jake’s head hit his pillow did he ask me for bear. I happily handed him over. He said maybe tomorrow night I’ll let brother sleep with him.
Did or do your kids have something they cherish like our bear?
I absolutely LOVE this post. I wish I could get either of my babies attached to something. I’ve tried blankies, lovies, bears and other stuffed animals alike. They don’t want ANYTHING…except me. Which is really okay with me for now. I know it won’t last forever, so I’m cherishing it while I have it. Maybe a little more time and they will want nothing to do with me and only want their “lovey”…
Both of my kids did. My son, who just turned 9, gave his up a few months ago. I was a little sad. He just put them away one night and said he didn’t need them anymore. It was very sudden. My daughter still sleeps with hers at age 6. It is about to fall apart. There is yet another hole to be mended. She may not have a choice in how long she sleeps with hers. I think it will disintegrate in the middle of the night very soon!
Oh good! Maybe we’ll have bear around at least until my son is 9
I hope he stays together that long…
I still have my baby’s “Care Bear” it is 34 years old…
Which care bear?! You know your daughter bought me a gigantic funshine bear when I was in the hospital….
I love reading this. I had a beloved bear when i was young an his nose was the softest part on him as well. Now J has a beloved bear and dog sometimes I peak at him sound asleep cuddled up with them. Something so precious and sweet about it. Can’t wait to see what Leah picks as her beloved friend.