Stages of Acceptance

When Cole was in the NICU right after being born, we were encouraged to bring toys from home and to decorate his crib area with age-appropriate things to make his living circumstances seem less overwhelming. I think it's a great thing they do to help the parents cope. Joey (this delightful little giraffe) was Coleman's very first toy. We bought it while I was pregnant, and couldn't wait to give it to the lucky boy/girl that would join our family (we didn't know what we were having). So to get to my point--when we brought Cole home, he didn't do much but stare at this thing...he just stared and stared and stared. He had the most quizzical look about him. It always made me laugh. Well tonight Cole came full circle with Joey. First--he was very happy to see him! Then he was inviting Joey to kiss just about everything he could find (in this case--a part of the camera) and finally--he gave Joey a big 'ol sloppy kiss of his own. Here's the best part--Cole has 3 teeth coming in, and Joey gets to be the recipient of lots and lots of drooly, snotty kisses. Oh how we love Joey. Maybe I should have entitled this "Ode to Joey".