Build - a - Bear!

On Tuesday we headed to the mall to look for Charlotte a lightweight fall coat.  We didn't really have any luck but when we walked by the Build - a - Bear store, for the first time Charlotte noticed it and squealed a little and pointed to it.  So after dinner we went over and decided to let Charlotte make her first animal.  We would have gone regardless because it's so much fun to give her what she wants but I especially wanted to go after reading this post from Stephanie where she talks about making Ava an animal last year.  She pointed out that as parents we want to give our children the world and sometimes we forget that God loves us and our children more than anyone else ever could.  As a parent it's hard to imagine that God loves Charlotte more than I do but I know that he does.  And if I want to give her so much, how much more does God want to give her if she only asks for it.  Stephanie included this verse in her post, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"  Matthew 7:11 and I remembered this verse and this post when Charlotte got excited and I knew that we needed to go in if only so that we can use this animal to remind Charlotte of our love and God's love for her.

So we went in and let Charlotte pick out what she wanted.  Of course this was the one time in the past year that I've left the house without a camera so iPhone pictures will have to do!  We walked down the line and she wasn't real interested in any of them so I thought I would get to pick and I was zeroing in on a very soft, sweet bunny rabbit.  But then we got down to the end of the row and there was a Yorkshire Terrier puppy and Charlotte started pointing and jumping up and down in my arms and "woof-ing" at him.  So, our choice was made!

Big smile for her puppy!

Pointing him out to us

We took him over to the stuffing station and Charlotte picked out his heart (she wanted to give him five hearts but we stopped her at one).  Here she is kissing the heart.

And putting the heart in her puppy.

Stepping on the pedal to stuff her puppy with stuffing.

Getting her puppy to make sure he's a good fluffy level

Giving him his first hug!

Watching in confusion as Mommy gives him his first bath

Naming her puppy Brownie

And loving on Brownie!

Charlotte, I don't know how long Brownie will last.  Hopefully a long time since you have basically not let him leave your side since we got him.  But I want to tell you that I'm sorry that his fur is so....matted.  It only took a few minutes loving on him and the first night you slept with him for his hair to become basically one big tangled ball of fur.  And trying to untangle it only pulls his hair out.  So I know that you'll love him no matter what we looks like, but believe me, we're doing everything we can to keep him looking as good as he can for as long as he can! :)

And every time that you hold Brownie or see him in your room as you grow older or remember him when you grow up I want you to remember how much your Daddy and I love you.  We want only good things for you baby girl and we will do everything in our power to make good things happen for your.  But I also want you to remember that God loves you so much more than we ever could.  And that he has such great plans for you that we can't even imagine.  He has wonderful plans and gifts that he wants to give you and they are all yours for the asking.  We pray daily that God blesses you abundantly and blesses our family.  We pray that one day you can accept Christ as your Savior like we have and that you lead a very long, fulfilling life serving Him.  And know that He is always there for you no matter what.  And so are we.

We love you precious. 

Mommy and Daddy