Security blankets...

I used to have a Carebear that was my 'security blanket'. It was the brown one with the big heart on it's belly. Tenderheart Bear. I loved that bear... even after it got dirty from being dragged around, the fur got matted down from too much snuggling, and the dog chewed it's cute brown plastic heart-nose off. At 5 years old, I fell on plywood requiring surgery to get all the splinters out of my hands. Tenderheart Bear and I got matching hospital bracelets. I still have that bear somewhere. Despite it's condition, I just can't make myself throw it away.

Chloe has a 'security blanket' of her own. Her soccer ball. I don't know what it is about that ball, but she loves it. She has a whole basket of toys, but the soccer ball is the only thing she wants. She's gone through a few of them by now. Some have been lost due to holes being torn in them, but the majority had to be tossed due to their complete STANKYNESS. Believe me when I tell you, the smell is unbearable. And she loves to play, so she'll bring the ball over and drop it in your lap. You'll pick it up only to find that you've just been stink-handed. This is an odor that lingers and is resilient to hand soap. But you can't be angry because she is just. too. dang. cute. My favorite thing is that she often falls asleep with the soccer ball in her mouth. Like her own little makeshift pacifier. And my heart melts as she kneads her feet, soothing herself to sleep. Love...