Claire had a little lamb, whose fleece was gray and worn...

So when Claire first came into our lives, we also got a NYC sized truck load of play things for her as well. Most of the items were bought by well-meaning friends, and of course a well meaning mom-to-be. It has been interesting over the months to see what toys, blankies, and books Claire has been drawn to and has enjoyed the most. To date, her favorite toys to pass time with are: 1) garbage (preferably plastic containers, plastic bags and Dave's "mother's milk" Pepsi containers); 2) Lambie and 3) a stuffed mommy and baby book (care of auntie Laurel) where the mommies actually birth the babies. Thanks Laurel, at least we know that Claire will not have any cabbage patch confusion. I almost added another favorite toy, dust bunnies, but then I realized that is actually Claire's favorite food.

We push Claire toward playing with Lambie and the baby book, because garbage, particularly plastic garbage-although it is free and abundant in NYC-can be pretty frightening for strangers to see, not to mention child welfare workers. But, I must say, Lambie is my favorite. Lambie is a second generation toy, from a series of toys, made by my grandma for me and my cousins when I was a kid. She looks a little worn, but has a survivor's pride gleaming in her eyes and I am so glad to see Claire love her, scoot after her, eat her ears, and pull her away from other kids when then try to play with her. I'm not sure why Claire loves her so much, but maybe she can smell a little of grandma's house in her, or sense that she made a whole generation of kids happy, or maybe, just maybe it is because she reminds her of her favorite food, dust bunnies.