Meerkitty

Not so long ago, before she even knew how to talk, Trixie went on an errand with her daddy…

Oh, wait, wrong story.

This one’s about a little meerkat who holds a special place in young Natalie’s heart. Not so long ago, Nattie used to sleep with about 17 friends in her bed. There was the usual: Humpty, Honey and Trixie Dean, tossed in with Dora, Piglet, Snuggle Puppy, fire and water from the Olympics in China (from uncle Dan who went to China recently) and several books. We literally had to shove and scoop toys out of the way each night in order to lower her down into the crib.

Then, one day, she tossed out the books. Then, it was everyone except the triplets. Then, one day, she refused to let me put Humpty, Honey and Trixie Dean (yes, she named them herself…Humpty after Dumpty, the egg) in her bed.

“No babies in my crib,” she said defiantly.

“Really?” I asked. “Are you sure you don’t want them?”

“No babies.”

Since then, the only stuffed animal lucky enough to get tucked under the covers each night is Meerkat – no name, I’ve asked. We say prayers, talk a bit and then I cover her up in her crib. I take Meerkat and make him scurry up her body, give her a kiss and tuck him in next to her, with just their two faces peeking out side-by-side from the covers.

Good night, sweet Natalie.