Build-A-Bear

The finished product, purse and all.

Putting on the shoes. Notice the bear's underwear.

Tia Jen's Christmas present to Maya was a trip to Build-A-Bear. I suggested the present because I had taken Maya to Build-A-Bear several times, but we never bought a bear. Instead, we just browsed, picking our favorite bears and watching with slight concern as other kids stuffed their bears. 

My thought was that Jen and Maya could pick out one of the least expensive bears, and there were plenty for $10, add a heart and get out of the store for $15 or so. Maya doesn't know that the store also sells clothes for the bears so skip that section of the store, I told Jen. 

Well, Maya knows now. When she and Jen pulled into the driveway after their trip, Maya was asleep but she was hugging a beautiful bear that was wearing white underwear and a hot pink satin dancing dress. "Teddie Bear" was also wearing two bows in her hair and holding a hot pink purse. On Maya's other arm, Maya was holding a sleeping bag, for Teddie Bear of course. And, in the Build-A-Bear box, were a pair of matching hot pink shoes. 

Jen said Maya loved putting the bear together and insisted on the underwear. Tonight, Maya and Big Papa read Teddie Bear books and right now, Teddie Bear is snuggled up in her sleeping bag, right next to Maya in her's.