There's Something About Honey

Just when I thought I couldn't get anymore unhip, uncool, and "parental"... I sink to a new level. I've spent the better part of the weekend trying to entertain a stuffed bear and make sure he feels included, loved, and part of our family. Sigh.

Meet Honey

Honey is the class pet at Hayley's school and this weekend we were the proud family that got to host Honey. Honey comes in a backpack with a journal in which we must write and illustrate our adventures with Honey. This journal is filled with photos of each of Hayley's classmates and their fun, exciting times with Honey. Each Thursday when I would pick Hayley up, I would see the glee on the chosen child's face as they ran to tell their mommy that THEY would be bringing Honey home for the weekend. Honey is truly a cherished class pet to all the children. Except Hayley. As I picked Hayley up on Thursday, Hayley ran to hug me. There was no mention of Honey until Hayley's teacher stopped me and informed me that Honey would be in our good care for the weekend. I got a little nervous... I wasn't prepared to entertain. When we arrived home, I asked Hayley if she would like to show Honey around. "No," she firmly replied. "Okay then, why don't you take some quiet time with Honey and you can show him the house after your nap." Hayley, Honey and I proceeded to Hayley's room where we read a book. As I began to leave the room, Hayley began to unravel, begging and pleading with me to "take Honey, jus take 'em." Clearly, Honey and Hayley were not bonded. I tried to talk Hayley into spending some naptime with Honey, but I know better. By now I'm well aware that if Hayley has her mind made up about something, she isn't going to be convinced otherwise, especially by me. This will change when she becomes a teenager, right? Uh, oh.

Friday I had some errands planned and asked Hayley to bring Honey with us. "No! Honey home." I picked Honey up and began to carry him with me towards the door when the meltdown ensued. "Nooooooo.... Honey HOME!!!!!!" And so, Honey and Chloe spent the day having a stare down. I'm pretty sure that Chloe isn't too fond of Honey either.

By Saturday, I managed to get Hayley to at least hold Honey so I could take some pictures. You see, I need these snapshots in order to journal (LIE) about all the fun Hayley and Honey had during our exciting weekend together.

And I still don't know why Hayley does not like Honey. She readily accepted Shamu into her fold. I can't let her near a stuffed animal at the store or she will insist it is "hers." Perhaps it's his wirey hair or his beedy little eyes, maybe Honey has a reputation and I'm just unaware. Poor Honey... I think he's ready to return to school.

Todd, Hayley, and Honey BEFORE Hayley threw Honey from the stroller

Hayley and Honey in the car... she was suddenly interested in trying to figure out how to roll down the window

Hayley, Honey and Todd... I'm pretty sure she's thinking about how fun it would be to find out if Honey could swim