Nearly two years ago, I wrote about the incredible stuffed animals Lynne Dorfman has bestowed upon my children. One of Ari’s beloved stuffed animals, Patchy, goes everywhere with him. You won’t be surprised to know that Patchy was a 3rd birthday gift from Lynne and Ralph (her husband).
Today, a just-because-we-love-you package arrived from Lynne and Ralph. I held the package until after dinnertime. Once the kids finished, I announced they had a package from Lynne and Ralph. They began jumping up and down with anticipation. Once I opened the box, I handed each child a gorgeous gift bag. Both kids were immediately smitten with their animals, but Ari’s response to his alligator (who he thought was a crocodile) was priceless. He declared:
“Look! My croc is is the same as Patchy!”
I was perplexed. Patchy — with his white fur and gray ears and eye patch — couldn’t look more different than the gator.
“They’re not the same,” I said.
“Yes, they’re brothers. They have the same tag!”
I looked at the fabric label on both animals backsides. Sure enough, both animals were made by the same stuffed animal maker!
Who knew Ari paid attention to logos?!!?
Raising Literate Humans 
Isn’t it amazing the things kids notice! I love the picture of the kids reacquainting the animals. Aren’t they lucky to have Lynne and Ralph gifting them more friends?!
It was so adorable. They played with them for a good half-hour last night before I insisted Isabelle go upstairs for a shower so she could get to bed on time. 🙂
So cute. Kids are amazing. For a while, when my daughter Wren was much younger, she noticed all the cars that had the same tires as ours. You never know what they’re paying attention to!
That’s a fascinating noticing!
If we just pay attention to what kids have to say and think, we adults can broaden our perspectives and learn from them! Love your noticing, Ari!
It’s important for us (adults) to understand that we learn more when we listen.
This most made me miss Lynne and Ralph even more – I owe them a phone call for sure. Love this slice of joy and Ari’s attention to detail. Thank you for starting my day with a smile.
I’m planning to call her later this afternoon. Perhaps you’ll beat me to it.
I love the way he sees the small detail an adult would pass over. I always appreciate the children in my classes who look at the world that way.
I’m always fascinated by children’s observations!
“Yes, they’re brothers.” And just like that he creates a family from shared tags. Oh, if the human family could only do the same!
My son, now almost 21, still keeps his most cherished stuffed animals on his bookshelf. The memories of the events and the giver of the stuffies remain vivid.
A true slice. What a beautiful thing, a just because gift. What a gift of observation, comparison, alikeness. I agree with Jess, you never know what children will notice.
So cute! I bet he knows every little detail about Patchy!
I love this! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
I’m amazed by young children and details they notice – and the meaning they make of them, the constructivist connections that form in their minds. That Ari declares these very different “creatures” brothers absolutely warms my heart.