Build-A-Bear

Doug and I started a tradition when we were expecting our first baby, Elizabeth.  We obtained a recording of Elizabeth's heartbeat.  Then we went and built a bear with a sound box in the chest.  Every time you press the button you can hear Elizabeth's heartbeat.


The idea was that the next time we got pregnant, Elizabeth would be able to help make the next animal.  It was with mixed excitement and grief that we went to the Build-a-Bear workshop in 2009 to make an animal for Rachel.  Again, we obtained a recording of her heartbeat to personalize it even more.


In January 2011 we returned for the 3rd time to build a bear.  This time Rachel took a leading role in helping make this special toy for Joseph.


We were thrilled to have a 3rd heartbeat to add to our collection.


On August 13th we went as a family to build a bear for Lucy.  The kids showered Lucy's monkey with love and affection.



And now we have a sweet set of four.  Four children, four heartbeats, four toys, four times the love.