Ode to the Blue Bunny

Blue Bunny and Blankie

Dear Blue Bunny,

You are probably wondering why I am writing you a letter.  After all, you are just a stuffed animal;  a well-worn little blue bunny whose white facial fur is now tinged a shade of beige, a fraying neck ribbon and a nose that came undone and now looks like a little tongue.  You are also accompanied by your close friend and ally; Blue Blankie.  Well, perhaps it has something to do with postpartum hormones, but the truth is I’ve been feeling quite sentimental lately when it comes to my children.  This morning, while conducting my daily routine of tidying up the house, I glanced over and found you on my bed the way Layden left you.  And I sat down and looked at you lovingly, reflecting on just how important you are in my little boy’s life, and therefore how much you mean to me as well.  Then I grabbed my camera and took a picture, that inspired this blog.

I have a foggy memory as to how you came into our lives; I believe Bunny was an Easter gift from my mother and Blankie was a newborn gift from my husband’s mother.  At least that is what I tell him and he likes the idea that each one is from a different grandmother.  I am not quite sure how you came to be”selected”….that magical process in which a child become especially attached to a particular toy or object.  But for all of the cooler, more expensive toys he has, you, little Bunny, YOU have the coveted top spot if my son’s hierarchy of toys. Surely you must know how special you are; I myself had such an attachment of my own when I was his age, to a doll I named “Blake.” I remember how important that doll was to me and therefore I know he will always remember you.

And my son’s devotion to you is unfailing.  Every single morning as he pads into our room around 2 a.m., he always has you and Blankie tucked under his arm.  This is quite amazing, as it means he searches his bed covers, in the dark, while half asleep to find you and make sure you accompany him across the dark house.  As I searched through my collection of pictures, there are so many in which you are in the frame…not always noticeable at first…but lingering nearby and always prepared to offer a cuddle.

But I am writing today because I need to gently break some news to you.  Our little boy is growing up.  Maybe it is because I now have a new baby to hold in my arms, when I hold him, the stark comparison of how much bigger he is now is so evident.  You have no idea how happy it makes me that he clings to you still….in the same way that I wish to cling to his childhood.  Because one day some older kid will walk in his room and laugh at him for still sleeping with you.  And then, sweet bunny, you will get tossed to the side, with only an occasional bittersweet glance to warm you as he continues to grow older.

So enjoy this time while it lasts.  Feel every hug he has to offer and revel in the fact that he adores you so much right now. It feels good to be needed. These days won’t last forever little Bunny and Blankie.  One day it will be just you and me.  You will no doubt be a little more worn with age, as will I.  We won’t be able to hold him, so we will hold each other and remember the good times….and hope that he always has a special place in his heart for us as well.

Sweet dreams Bunny,

Layden’s mom

His childhood photos are a virtual “Where’s Waldo” of bunny pics.