The case of the missing bear...

While rushing to get ready for baby bookworm this morning, I realized Greyson's Boo-Bear was not in his crib where it had been just 2 hours before it became MIA. Those of you who are saying, "what's a boo-bear? " have no idea our predicament. Boo-bear, who is also known as, blankie-bear, or snuggly-wuggly-bear, has been with Greyson from birth and present at almost every nap, night-night time and any and all traumatic events aka: boo-boo's.

So, I retraced my steps and went as far as to retrace his crawls, yes, I did! I searched high and low, through trash cans, emptied out the wet clothes in the dryer, rummaged through all drawers reachable by a little 2 foot person. Checked dishwasher, refrigerator drawers, opened freezer just in case he snuck in there while my back was turned (yes, this is all too possible with my curious and energetic little boy!)

Your probably thinking, "if this bear is so important shouldn't you have a replacement for times like this?" We do. Exact match with same lion logo and all. EXCEPT, it is much cleaner, smells much much better, and doesn't have all of his favorite holes to stick fingers in while falling asleep.

We have used "the other bear" only once previously about 2 months ago for a very short period of time while that search was taking place. It didn't go so well...My little guy couldn't be duped! He knew it was a dummy who was impersonating his real Boo Bear and he wasn't having it! As soon as he saw it he immediately dropped it and cried in dispair. I tried to use clever mommy tactics like distractions and even tried to convince him he could forgo his nap and play instead! "Wouldn't that sound like more fun!" I thought? Not at the point when he could sense this over-attention while he grew more and more tired.

Luckily then, the real bear was found by some church friends who were able to contact us quickly after it was left behind. About two seconds after getting his bear back, he did a cry-giggle then fell asleep! Case closed.

Search number two is looking a bit more bleak... It is now 4 hours and counting into this investigation with not a clue to be found!

My heart was racing as nap-time grew closer, and closer. The rubbing of the eyes, the inattention to his favorite toys, even splashing in the waddling pool was getting old. I continued with my normal nap time routine even though I feared he sensed my anxiety. I warmed his bottle an extra few seconds, added a little touch of honey to his milk, gave him his paci, AND....snuck in the dummy bear. He looked at the bear realizing it wasn't "THE ONE" and to my surprise closed his eyes and went to sleep! WOW, I was dumbfounded!


Lesson learned: don't underestimate your child; they may just surprise you!

And here I am, writing about this as he sleeps! Whew! Did I just miss a huge tantrum, atleast until nap #2...

p.s. I have come to the conclusion that the missing bear was either a.) flushed down the toilet or b.) somewhere in our yard burried by one of our dogs! To be continued....

This is a replica of Boo Bear last seen in G's crib at approximately 7 am. Reward given for his safe return home.