It's been a couple of weeks, but we are all back from vacation and back to our normal work schedule. Baby A adjusted very well! We did have a "first time" situation last Thursday night. I always knew at some point this would probably happen, hoping not...but it did. Baby A goes to daycare 2 days a week. She has two lovies she sleeps with. These are the lovies that have an animal head and then turn into a little blanket. She always slept with Doggy and Giraffe was the one she carried around each day. Now, she needs to have Giraffe with her in bed as well. Giraffe is the mobile lovey. He comes everywhere with us. We have only lost him once, at a farmer's market where he fell out of the stroller. Baby A was a few months older then 1 year. I remember putting Baby A in the car as we were leaving the farmer's market and noticing Giraffe was missing. I walked, well actually ran back through the farmer's market hoping I'd find it but I didn't. She didn't seem to notice and we didn't say anything. When we got home I hopped on the computer and ordered another one with express delivery. I should have ordered 2.
So back to last Thursday. Giraffe accompanies Baby A to Daycare two days a week for nap time. We walk into school in the morning and put Giraffe in her cubby, he is ready for her at nap, and we take him home when Baby A is picked up. Sometimes, Giraffe is wrapped up in her blanket and you don't see him. Dad picked Baby A up from school on this particular day. She got home, we played, ate dinner, and as we were ready to go up stairs to get ready for bed, I said, "Let's get Giraffe." Then I saw Dad's face. He looked a little startled and white. He whispered, "I don't think I got Giraffe. I don't remember seeing it." We looked at each other and I thought, oh no, this could be bad. So as we were getting ready for bed; putting on pj's, reading books, brushing teeth I was wondering how I was going to handle this one. I knew I couldn't lie. I don't want to model that and I had to believe that I had to go with the truth and whatever happens, we would deal with it. As we were doing our routine, she never once asked for Giraffe so I wondered if she wouldn't even notice. I put her in her crib, got ready to sing her the songs we sing before bedtime and then she said, "I want my Giraffe." I kneeled down and I said, "Honey, I'm really sorry but we left Giraffe at school. We can get him tomorrow." Then the tears came and my heart broke. I had to do some quick thinking. How was I going to get her calmed down so she could sleep tonight????? She kept asking for Giraffe and I kept saying sorry. (notice it was me and not Dad-Hee Hee) I decided to recognize the "Posse" of other animals and dolls in her crib. I showed all the different dogs, bears, rabbits, dolls, etc. She was excited at first and then wanted her Giraffe. What could I try next....oh, I know...I looked at her and said, "Do you want to pick another special animal from your basket to sleep with tonight and in the morning we will get Giraffe." She smiled and said, "yes" I couldn't believe this might work. So we went through the animals and she found a soft, pink sheep. She picked him up and took him to bed with a huge smile on her face. I kissed and hugged her and sang her songs. Then I left. Success!!! I was so proud of her for being so strong and flexible. I wonder where she got that from????
As I look back I am grateful on how this situation was handled. I told her the truth about Giraffe and found an alternate lovey for the night!
The next morning we found Giraffe at school and Baby A was very happy. We will never forget to bring home Giraffe again...but we should have an extra on hand, just in case!
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