A New Elephant in Town

It used to be that Ducky was Lucie's favorite "loved one" — toted everywhere, dressed in tutus, held close during naps and at night, and involved in countless imaginary adventures. These days Ducky is most often found tossed to the foot of Lucie's bed, and Ella the elephant has taken her place in Lucie's heart.


It's hard to say exactly when the shift took place. Ella had been around for at least a year or so — a gift at the Wild Animal Park from Gigi and Papa. She had a spot among the handful of special animals in Lucie's crib, but was no where close to as treasured in her early days as she is now. As Lucie moved to a big kid bed, the stuffed elephant in her crib became "Ella", and Ducky has been playing second (or third or fourth) fiddle ever since.

Ella is Lucie's everything. She adores that stuffed little pachyderm. Though I have to admit a touch of sadness for the demise of Lucie's first lovey, Ella does seem like a good friend to enjoy future whispered secrets, slumber parties with friends, and trips to see grandparents. And, if Lucie is anything like her mother, maybe Ella might even make the trip to freshman year of college?

At this same time, Ryan has developed an affinity for a stuffed ball. It also has it's own name, "Ball-eee" (emphasis on the e), and is loved and treasured and slept on and hit and kicked and thrown all day long. It has in no way taken the place of Bunny, but is definitely at number two status. It even travels with us, providing quite a challenge to squish and fit into a backpack.