Build-a-Bear

Doug and I started a tradition when we were expecting our first baby, Elizabeth.  We obtained a recording of Elizabeth's heartbeat.  Then we went and built a bear with a sound box in the chest.  Every time you press the button you can hear Elizabeth's heartbeat.


The idea was that the next time we got pregnant, Elizabeth would be able to help make the next animal.  It was with mixed excitement and grief that we went to the Build-a-Bear workshop in 2009 to make an animal for Rachel.  Again, we obtained a recording of her heartbeat to personalize it even more.


So on January 22nd we returned for the 3rd time to build a bear for our unborn child.  This time Rachel took a leading role in helping make this special toy for Joseph.

She took her time and inspected all of the options.


We helped her choose a little dog for Joseph.



And we allowed her to choose a new teddy bear for herself.  It's hard for a 1 year old to make a toy for someone else and not get to play with it.
 

She loved exploring the stuffing machine.
 
 

She was entranced by it.
 

Enthralled...until it whirred to life.
 

She kissed the heart going into her brother's puppy.  Then she watched as her teddy and Joseph's dog were brought to life.



The air blasting out of the nozzles at the washing station made her nervous.


But she liked brushing her bear.


She looked on in wonder as I dressed the dog in his new overalls.

Then she went in search of accessories for herself.



She was happy with her new teddy bear.


We were thrilled to have a 3rd heartbeat to add to our collection.


Aren't they cute?