Allow me to introduce Spikey. He's a friendly baby gorilla who sleeps next to my oldest son, often presides over baths and mealtimes, and occasionally causes mischief. We have learned not to take him to preschool, lest he be forgotten in a cubby overnight.
I was an avid collector of stuffed animals as a child. Each creature had it's own name and backstory. One in particular has traveled to Europe to keep me company and now sits on my (made!) bed every day. So I appreciate the attachment and I encourage this friendship of sorts.
Last week, while trying to amuse ourselves during the youngest's naptime, we sequestered ourselves in the studio. Earlier that morning he had found the scrap of fabric left over from his chain mail and decided he wanted to make a suit of armor for Spikey. I looked at his dad's knight book with him and agreed to sew something.
I almost got out the sewing machine for this and am relieved I reconsidered. I spent an hour hand sewing the chainmail, breast plate and helmet - complete with a chin strap - while trying to keep a four year old from pawing through every perfectly organized drawer, compartment and small box in my studio. (This special place is, I admit, a cabinet of curiosities and I am trying to find a balance for us there somewhere between creative play and pure stress.)
I share this here so you will notice how cleverly the breast plate snaps in back. How carefully I painted a crest on the front (though it doesn't show very clearly). How chivalrous Spikey appears in his new get up. Because the four-year-old was about as impressed with the finished product as he was with muesli for breakfast this morning. Oh well. Win some, lose some, I suppose.