Toy Story
Hygiene Chronicles | May 4I love each time our son moves to a different stage in his life. Every few months, words or expressions pop out that we’ve never seen or heard before. New interests appear as life becomes bigger through the eyes of a three and a half year old. It’s as though a new little boy emerged from a familiar character and his confidence soars as he explores his new independence.
But with these new phases comes a loss of things memorable…and in a way, celebrated as something our family secretly shared. Things are outgrown or replaced by new and more exciting items. What we’ve come to know as permanent turns out to be only temporary.
This month, we said good-bye to Bob and Wendy. This couple stood by us through good days and sick days. They were comfortable, much in the same way as a teddy bear or blankie. They taught us how to share and how to take care of others. They taught us the value of family, whether they are an absent-minded father or an insecure blue crane.
Bob the Builder was a hero. He could fix anything and he never got frustrated when building things, which is not this daddy’s best trait. Bob treated everyone with respect and listened to problems, only to try and offer his support. His best friend, the slightly androgynous Wendy, was his partner in business and in some ways, life. They are good people.
My son & I would often huddle together as we watched these five-minute vignettes. I’m not sure who learned more from the episodes, but it was a great bonding experience for us both. We shouted along with the positive slogan, “Can we build it? Yes we can!” every time it was said.
You were his inspiration for Halloween as he dressed in overalls and rode in a stroller that resembled Scoop. We bought everything we could to have him feel more like you. From knapsacks to tool benches to bed spreads, you occupied his life in every way imaginable.
Thank you Bob…for everything. You gave a little man someone to believe in. And you gave an older man the chance to spend some time with someone he loves.
You are a hero to both of us. We will miss you.
What did your child grow out of that you miss the most?
Does nonmobility count?
My wife said Onesies and our Okapis (heck all babies) were so adorable in Onesies. I thought they grew out of Sesame Street, but it keeps making a comeback. But I think what had the biggest impact on me, ironically, was their stroller. Realizing they didn’t need it anymore, made me realize they were truly toddlers - not babies - and there was no going back. While I love toddlerhood, the sense that they were getting older really affected me.
We’ve just started watching Bob or as it’s called over here “Byggare Bob”. My son love it and already has a few of those nice tractors and trucks. He’s never been allowed much TV but when he was very young we watched Baby Einstein each night as part of the sleeping routine. Those 10 minutes were really nice since he was just starting to have enough patience to sit still. Now he seems way too old for Baby Einstein and has moved on to other things. But I can still remember those early days when he was just a little baby.
AD
Bob is gone at three and a half. David is two and a half that gives us some time. What is the story with that crazy ass scarecrow?
boo-boo bear, alittle stuffed winnie the pooh bear with a bell inside. It was his best friend, we had three. I haven’t seen it in years, and it crossed my mind the other day. I asked him where boo-boo bear was and he said ‘Who?’ I wanted to cry. Something so important, then just forgotten. It is wierd how they move on and just leave things behind completely. (I still went looking for boo-boo bear by the way, hehe)
The thing to worry about is when you start feeling a longing to be part of a TV show like this instead your normal life: a world where people are friendly, polite, helpful and positive thinking. One of my favourite bloggers Liz at selfindulgentramblings once wrote about her fantasy of joining the world of Postman Pat, a gormless, friendly postman who does his rounds somewhere in the Yorkshire Dales. I had exactly the same thoughts - at least until I saw a picture of Mrs Postman Pat in one of the books and I was cured on the spot.
I just about died when my son decided he was too old to continue sleeping with his Pooh bear, the bear that had been with him since birth; through surgeries and moving overseas and bad dreams. Pooh now sits on his dresser and my son assures me that when he has a child, Pooh will be that child’s best friend. I love my sensitive kid!
Bear in the Big Blue House. I am pretty sure I have every episode memorized. He was a valiant partner, taught many lessons, that helped him span several years and changes in abilities and while other things came and went, “Bear” was our constant. Now sadly, he is nothing more than a collection of VHS tapes that occupy space at the bottom of the cabinet, becuase even though my daughter seems to have moved on, Mommy and Daddy aren’t ready to admit it yet and clear them out.
His appetite for anything other than macaroni, pasta and spaghetti. ::sigh::
Bob also saw us through Ronans 2nd and 3rd years but as he was approaching his 3rd birthday a neighbour gave us a Toy Story 2 video her son (now 6 no longer wanted), yesterday Ronan came running into the Bedroom and said “Mammy I’m Buzz Lightyear and your Zurg - now you blow my head off!” - Come Back Bob - all is Forgiven!!!!!!!!!!!!