The Next Best Thing to Mommy

All three of my boys have had or still have a second mommy.

This second mommy takes over for me when they are napping, long car rides, or at nighttime.  It follows them to sleepovers, and on vacations.  It makes them feel safe, secure, and loved until I come into their rooms with a smile, open arms and a smothering of kisses.

These second mommy’s are my children’s lovies.

Big T who is now eight just bravely gave up his lovey this year.  It started out as a thermal baby blanket that was sky blue in color.  It ended as a white fabric rendition of a massive spider web.  I’m not kidding!  It had so many holes and rips in it that we were throwing it away piece by piece.  Finally this summer, Big T took it upon himself to throw away the last peace.  And he cried about it.  He was so sad to have to give up his second mom lovey.  But he’s past that now…he’s growing up. 

His little brothers still have theirs.

Sweet Pea has a lovey that is very near and dear to him.  He HAS to sleep with him during his naps and at night.  He even tucks him in right next to his head.  If his nose isn’t right he will yank on it to fix it so that “he can breathe better.”  He talks to him like he is a person and never ever goes without giving kisses and hugs to him multiple times a day.  For years he pretended to be his lovey's mommy.  Just recently he realized that only girls could be mommy’s so he changed to being his lovey’s daddy.  Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to Bay Bear:

Bay Bear doesn’t just have a special place in Sweet Pea’s heart; he also has a special place in mine, because of when and where Bay Bear came into our lives.  All of us first met Bay Bear in the hospital when Sweet Pea was born.  He was a gift to Sweet Pea from his big brother and the very first gift Sweet Pea ever received.  Big T was very proud to be a big brother and he was VERY excited to give his new baby brother a gift.  From that moment on, Bay Bear was always in Sweet Pea’s bed to provide love, comfort, and safety.  Big T made sure of it! 

So to say Bay Bear is special is an understatement! 

Buggy’s second mommy is one that was given to us by a family friend before he was born.  The two weren’t introduced until Buggy went into his crib at 3 months of age, but ever since then it has been a match made in heaven.  His second mommy is currently named Lovey Bunny until he has the words to name his lovey himself.  Without further ado…here he is:

Half Stuffed Bunny, half blanket and ALL LOVE.  Buggy loves to hold his ears, to roll them in between his fingers.  Not his arms or the blanket part…his ears.  Buggy is not at the point where he has to have him in the car, in the shopping car, or in the bathtub with him (yet).  But he absolutely cannot rock or sleep without him.

I am extremely thankful for my children’s second mommys.  For the warmth, the softness, and the security they give my children when I’m not there.  It is because of them my children are able to sleep soundly and peacefully.  It’s because of them that I get a break during their naps, and don’t have to run into the boys’ bedrooms 17 times a night (I don’t know where I got the number 17, just go with it).

But mostly, I’m thankful for the memories they are giving my children, and for the memories they are giving me.

Does your child have a lovey? 

I’m linking up with my fabulous friend Christine at Quasi Agitato because she is hosting a linky about lovies.  Yeah, I know…she rocks!