My kids and I are obsessed with cute plushies and toy figures. They all have history, memories, and special people related to them.

The madness began when they were young and began as a practical and consoling way to get through any sicknesses, doctor visits, ER trips, and hospital stays. They helped to console the sick child and the other child left at home; I guess it also lessened my unreasonable guilt for not being able to do more to prevent it (the mind gets irrational in these cases).

This may sound strange but it’s an intuitive way I’ve learned how to gage Ellis’ level of sickness. When she complains of a headache, vomits, or has stomach cramps, I say I’ll get her a toy, with that desperate look plastered over my face. If she gives me a weak nod yes, then I know it’s one that’ll pass soon. I am relieved. However, when that offer is rebuffed with a death stare, wave of her hand, or a moan, that means it’s more serious. All panic antenna go up in our home with everyone on the edge. If she gets one, he gets one too. Trying to be fair and lessen the resentment flare ups between siblings.

Navigating this process and trying to minimize future resentment keeps me on my toes. They can’t say I haven’t tried. I’ve learned how a sibling can get overlooked and feel neglected when the chronically ill child gets most of attention.

So you can imagine we are inundated with toys…each with a special memory of when they entered our homes. They are contained on shelfs, toy boxes, bedrooms, desks, pretty much anywhere a stuffies can fit. Love them all and love the people associated with them.

Our wonderful friends have also contributed to our stuffies madness! I’ve added some pictures of those special ones too. There’s much more, but these are only the recent ones. My photo storage is maxed out and Chris has backed them up in one of a hard drive thing-y.

This entry is for Ragtag Daily Post: Toys. Thanks for hosting this challenge jansenphoto: working on this post made me reminisce fondly of a problem…ahem, I mean, blessing in our home.

Peace and blessing, friends. ~ Esther

Categories: Hospital visits learning with kids Raising kids Stuffed animals

Tagged as: Bellzi stufies Build-a-Bear friends friends' thoughtfulness Good Sam Hospital stuffies Pokemon reminiscing fondly sibling relationships chronic illness stuffies toys TY Beanie boos

singlikewildflowers

Welcome to my blog! My name is Esther and I'm so happy you are here. I'm an avid nature photographer and a daydreaming thinker. My posts revolve around photos of nature's beauty, homeschooling adventures with my 2 kids, sporadic reflections on my child's heart condition, Bible reading reflections, gardening feats, and other mish mash things. Hopefully you'll leave encouraged, pensive, or smiling at the simple things of life. Thank you for stopping by and hope you'll find some interesting posts to read!