D is for...

Dake!

This is my teddy bear. I've had him since I was very small (my second Christmas, I think, so I wasn't even 2 yet) It's amazing how kids will bond with some toys. I don't know what it was about this bear, but he was my special stuffie. Still is, too! Still sits on my bed, though I don't sleep with him as much now (the whole being married thing). Does get pulled out when Zach has late night duty, or if I've got to travel on my own for work - basically if I have to fall asleep on my own. I have grown up since being a kid, though - I can fall asleep without him when I'm on my own at night, but I certainly fall asleep much more easily if Dake is there.

The name? He's made by Dakin, so being a creative 1 1/2 year old when I got him, he became Dake.

And his stylish outfit came later. We were in England in '96 as a family, and of course Dake had come too. I had been laughing that I would find an England sweatshirt for Dake as a souvenir. And guess what? We stumbled upon the English Teddy Bear Company during the last couple days we were there, and did exactly that! Well, not a sweatshirt, but a cricketer's sweater vest. Still says "England" across it! Also picked up this little vest and bowtie ensemble, and another bow tie to match his sweater vest :) I have a very fashionable, well-traveled bear, after all!