Lil’ CB was still in Korea on his first birthday, so as part of his birthday gift, we sent an updated photo album including photos of our 60-pound lab mix, Piper. We were pretty sure that Lil’ CB didn’t have many encounters with large dogs, so we wanted to be sure that he saw at least some photos of his furry sister before he came home. I also found a stuffed animal that looked almost exactly like our pup, including the red collar:


The resemblance is uncanny…especially that far-off, unimpressed stare! 

We weren’t sure whether or not Mini Piper would return home with Lil’ CB, so we were delighted to find her among Lil’ CB’s things and even more delighted to find him loving on her. After missing the first 15 months of Lil’ CB’s life, to see him hanging out with a gift we sent over oceans and thousands of miles was kind of awesome.

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Lil’ CB played with Mini during the 16-hour flight home and once we were home, Mini remained by his side. By the time Lil’ CB started attending daycare 3 months later, Mini had become his constant companion and his bonafide lovey.

After forgetting Mini at daycare one too many times and having to drive back there for it before bedtime, we picked up a back-up Mini at the toy store (side note: once your child gets attached to a lovey, immediately go and buy a back up if you can!!!). We decided to leave the OG Mini at home only and the back-up Mini, now affectionately known as Travel Mini, was the lovey that traveled with CB to and from daycare and to other destinations. And goodness me, I am so thankful we bought a back-up Mini because we ended up losing Travel Mini at a library event (I actually think another kiddo took it…not that I’m bitter or anything…;) and another sidenote: purchase more than one back-up  if you can!). We purchased one more back-up Mini, and it’s a good thing we did, because shortly afterwards, they ended up discontinuing the line at Toys R Us.

Time has taken quite a toll on both Minis, and Travel Mini’s frequent flier miles probably now rival Home Mini’s miles from her trips to and from Korea. Over the last 3 and a half years, Lil’ CB has had Mini by his side at every nap and every sleep in multiple cities and states; she’s been with him through numerous sick days; has had many pretend adventures with her boy; and has been the recipient of probably more cuddles than I have! She’s gone from a relatively sturdy stuffed dog to a floppy one and her nose and fur definitely show signs of wear and love.

Lil’ CB loves to suck his fingers and smell Mini’s paws, usually holding her with the fingers that are not in his mouth. I know, it sounds weird, and it is, and for the longest time, Lil’ CB swore she smelled like strawberries. (See? Totally weird!)

Mini is still by Lil’ CB’s side daily, really at any time that he is sitting idly — while watching TV, riding the car, and of course, sleeping. Because of her extra special story, I don’t mind indulging Lil’ CB’s lovey love even at 4 and a half years-old. I do wonder how long it will last, though… And because the end of so many things has been so stealthy (mispronunciation of words, little toddler tendencies, cute little misconceptions, etc), I’ll gladly embrace Mini while Lil’ CB does the same. Because I know someday, without warning or prior notice, Mini will probably be stashed in the back of a closet or thrown haphazardly behind a bookshelf. So for now, we will treasure the days of the lovey. And perhaps, when Lil’ CB is headed off to college, I’ll secretly pack Mini into Lil’ CB’s things as a reminder of her sweetness and his innocence.