Saturday afternoon we took a family outing to the nearest friend factory. I've seen Build-a-Bear before; but never expected to take part in the trendy spendy toy.
We have Grandpa and Linda to thank for funding the excursion, and they wished they could have escorted us, though it wasn't possible with a thousand miles between us.
A leftover Christmas toy: Clarise the Reindeer from the 1964 classic, caught Lizzy's eye initially. [ugh.] We took advantage of Emma's distraught screaming at that moment to go outside and start over with some reminders of proper shopping etiquette: no screaming, no running off, this is a treat so be nice, etc. And then we started at the beginning to see all the options.
When Lizzy spotted a panda bear, she was in love. She wasn't interested in seeing the remaining choices.
Next step: consider sounds that can be put in.
Better than a sound, in fact, was a beating heart.
Our reason for Build-a-Bear is the heart. When a child stuffs her new critter, she puts a heart in. This panda has both the plastic beating heart and a silky satin heart that Lizzy warmed up. She held the heart, rubbed it, made a wish, and gave it a kiss before putting it inside her panda and watching her get sewed up.
That heart is what makes this Panda worth the time, the money, the effort. It will come to the hospital with us tomorrow and will be there when she wakes up.
Emma helped (not pictured) to fluff the panda, and then it was time to select some clothes.
Though we envisioned a hospital buddy decked out in scrubs and wearing a stethoscope, Lizzy is a 4-year old girl, and Emma backed her up in the selection of a tulle-and-sequin number with "glass slippers" and a tiara. Just the right outfit for the hospital.
The panda is named "Polar Bear" and Lizzy does in fact understand the distinction between the two different animals. But the name is Polar Bear, just like my van is "Mouse." I'm glad it will be several years before she starts naming my grandchildren.
We finished off our outing with a visit to Dairy Queen, another first for my girls.
6 comments:
Cute! Sounds like you're all ready to go. Good luck. We're rootin' (and praying) for you!
Love it! Polar Bear the Panda! Your girls are so cute! Lizzy and the doctors will be in our prayers! Best wishes tomorrow!
What a great idea! I hope for the best for you guys tomorrow and we'll be thinking about you!
Perfect. :) Just gave all sorts of warm fuzzies... We're praying for little Lizzy that all goes well and for all of you!
The outfit is killing me. Ha!
I love, love, LOVE it! How perfect! Seriously, such an appropriate thing to do before heart surgery (or procedure rather).
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