Red

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo baker's 'Five Minute Friday'.
The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

Red

He picked it out at the store. His eyes were so round and happy when he saw it. How could I say no? My Mom was there and even offered to buy it if I wasn't going to. I'm pretty sure both my Mom and my four year old were giving me the puppy face. I caved. I bought it and I haven't seen him without it since.

In the mornings he holds it. Cuddling close. Not squeezing it but hugging it tightly. He gets dressed and ready for the day with it in one hand, setting it down for only a moment. It's the one toy that he takes with him in the car to school. Setting it so carefully in his car-seat, to wait for him when he gets back in at the end of the day.

And that's where it waits. Until the end of the day, when my four year old gets back in the car and gives it the biggest bear hug he can. His eyes so excited to see that it waited all day just where he left it. He brings it back inside to tell it sweet nothings. He plays in his room with it, making new games and stories. He takes it outside. He tries giving it a few snacks. Then tries to clean it up. I'm a little Mommy yucked out by it but he also takes it to the bathroom, oh the germs.

I'm so thankful for that little red hat, overall wearing, mustache, stuffed Mario. He brings so much joy to our little guy.  At the end of the day Mario is tucked in close to my little man, giving him the security and loves that all little boys need. This one just happens to be extra special.