When Aliyah was a baby, she was given a gift. A white bear. She had blankets to snuggle with, but she became partial to this bear. Over the course of the last three years, it has been hard to get her to even let me wash the thing. I have to sneak it into the laundry, and even then, she ends up searching for it halfway through the cycle, panicked, and I have to explain that Beary needs to be cleaned.
Dan and I decided to look for a look-alike so it could be washed and, heaven forbid, there could be a replacement in case it’s ever lost. We misplaced it for a few days a while back, and it was a rough few nights. I looked for a new Bear-y White everywhere and could not find one that would fit the bill. First of all, there aren’t many white stuffed animals (who buys white for a kid, right?). Second of all, this was over three years ago–merchandise comes and goes. A friend bought a white animal that she thought looked similar (it was a kitty), but Aliyah just ended up wanting to sleep with both of them. Fail.
Then while shopping for gifts for Livi’s birthday, I happened upon a white bear. (Cue music.) I was willing to spend whatever amount of money it would take to save us from possible disaster if Beary ever met his end. So I bought it. I’d say it’s a decent match. Not perfect, but the best I could find.
Is she satisfied with her Bear’s replacement? Ummm, no, most definitely not. It was a waste of $18. Yes, $18. But I had to try, right? And who knows, maybe if something does happen to Beary, “other Beary” will do the job. For now, it sits and waits, beautiful, soft…and clean.
Why am I spending so much time writing about this? Because it’s a major part of life in the Schenkel household! I know I’ll look back and love thinking about Aliyah’s Beary and Livi’s “minkies” (blankies) and the trauma when one is lost and the joy when it is found. Plus, I know how important these love objects are (The Giver reference) because–confession–I still sleep with my blanky! 
Posted by David Van Houten on December 19, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Oh, Sarah, do we ever remember your attachment to your “blanky”! We are still surprised every once in a while when we see it at your house and recall that you had to take it on your honeymoon. Beary will never last that long for Aliyah. Good luck on finding an adequate replacement.
Posted by beamuzd on December 22, 2011 at 1:17 am
No, no, no–I actually LEFT my blanket at home so to prove my love for Dan.
It was a tough call, though.
Posted by Kristin on December 19, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Too funny! We have the same thing with Troy. (None of his friends will read this, right?!) He was given a “silky” blanket with a baseball-themed print. He has slept with it most every night of his life. We had to go back to a Carl’s Jr. parking lot one time where we dropped it and thankfully it was there! The thing is quite ripped now and he doesn’t like me to wash it either. We’ll see how long it lasts.
Posted by beamuzd on December 22, 2011 at 1:18 am
What is it about not washing them? It’s kind of a universal thing, I guess?
Posted by Baba Schenkel on December 20, 2011 at 4:06 am
I recently talked about this kind of phenomenon with one of my grown kids, who shall remain anonymous. He/she confessed to me that even well into elementary school, by which time it had become quite clear that the bear in question was, in fact, inanimate, nevertheless said bear remained a most sympathetic listener, wise counselor, and the best of friends. Such is childhood. How do you replace a friend? Good luck!
Posted by beamuzd on December 22, 2011 at 1:16 am
Hmmm, who does that sound like?
Posted by Baba Schenkel on December 20, 2011 at 4:20 am
PS I suggest sewing on a mouth with the same angles…that might warm up the new bear’s personality.
Posted by Jenny VH on December 21, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Emma’s “deedee” has been patched so many time by my mom none of the origianal fabric remains! And now Eli’s is ripping – he thinks he now has two “deedees”
And I may know of one of your male siblings who still sleeps w/ his blanket also 
Unconditional love that never talks back!!
Can’t wait to see all of you!!!!
Posted by beamuzd on December 22, 2011 at 1:15 am
No way! I didn’t know that!
Posted by Leah Schnyders on December 22, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Wow. Noelle and Halle are both very attached to their blankets, and pretty much refuse to sleep without them. Can’t wait for Sunday!
Posted by beamuzd on December 23, 2011 at 2:32 pm
If I (this is Dan, now) remember correctly, your sisters’ “manks” also don’t get cleaned very often and may have a rather disturbing odor to them. I hope to avoid them (the manks, not the sisters) all week. See you in a few days.