Build a Jack

Nathan's bday gift from the 'big kids' was a trip to Build-a-Bear, not something you would guess to be on an 8-yr-old's wish list, but it was at the top. He was beyond excited and has dutifully put Jack in his spiderman pajamas everynight and playclothes every morning. Mammaw took him to buy underwear for Jack which we somehow overlooked during the first trip, plus another outfit during her weekend visit. Shortly after returning home from the mall, our neighbor came over to give Nate a $25 gift card to guess where--Build a Bear! I won't think about how that makes about $100 worth of stuff for a dog that has been purchased in the last week.

Here's how Jack went from a pile of fluff to a much loved puppy.

Nathan had a tough time choosing. The final 3 were a dog, a monkey, and a turtle. I'm really surprised the dog won since the turtle had the green thing going for it--Nathan's favorite color--but here he is getting stuffed with fluff and a heart because who would want a dog with no heart?

Next, a little air fluffing and brushing. Nathan thinks he needs to take Jack to the mall once a month for some grooming. Maybe if I promise to be quiet and patient while he brushes Jack, he'll promise to be quiet while I shop for clothes.....

Nathan is not known for his quick decision making abilities. It took quite a while to decide which outfits to purchase, then he had to decide which outfit to dress him in. I try very hard not to interfere in these minor decisions because I figure they're good practice for later in life when the big, important stuff comes along, but at this point we've been in the store for 45 minutes and I'm ready to be done.

But, one look at this happy face and it was all worth it!