Don’t you love when fate intervenes and paints you a picture of your child’s favorite childhood stuffed animal? No? That’s never happened to you? Well, it just happened to me and I am tickled pink.
A few months ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a wonderful artist, Erin Chainani. Turns out, Erin went to Yale around the same time as Chris and she even studied in his same school. Only, she took the artistic track and he took the technical track. Erin has recently opened her own small business called First Friends and it will just make your heart melt.
Erin paints portraits of your child’s favorite childhood stuffed animal or toy. Look how sweet these are…
I instantly fell in love with her paintings after spending just a few minutes on her website looking through her gallery. I love that she offers a gift certificate option, too, so that you can purchase a portrait for someone else. And I love that she offers a variety of sizes (including a new, affordable 4×6 option). And I love that she offers custom matting and framing, too.
And I’m not alone. She’s building a fast reputation as a first friends artist and she’s caught the attention of a few of her local media sources, like Miami.com and MiamiMunchkins.com. But even without her growing business, I was sold on just one portrait. Just one.
This one.
IT’S MR. BEAR!!! SHE PAINTED MR. BEAR!!!
And could she have gotten it any more perfect?!?!
She got his floppy arms just right. She got his deflating little belly. And, my favorite part, she got the little dimple in Mr. Bear’s head where Bean chews on him.
I mean, really. Could it be any cuter? I cry every time I see the portrait – which is often because it hangs on the wall above Bean’s changing table.
Bean loves it, too. He lays there while I’m changing his diaper, pointing to the painting and saying, “One Beeyah, Two Beeyah…” He thinks it’s funny that now he has TWO Bears.
As the mom of a rapidly growing toddler, it’s these kinds of keepsakes that I know I will always treasure. It’s these kinds of keepsakes that I already treasure. Because it’s these kinds of keepsakes that instantly take me back to the first days we had Bean home from the hospital and Mr. Bear was right there beside him, bigger than Bean was at the time. It takes me back to Bean learning to walk and dragging Mr. Bear along behind him across our kitchen floor in his jammies. It takes me back to Bean’s first days at a new daycare and knowing that even though I had to leave him with strangers, at least Mr. Bear was there with him.
And then, I start to cry. Like I’m doing right now.
I know that one day, Bean will outgrow his old friend. He’s already leaving Mr. Bear at home more and more now. And though I try to tell myself that it’s a sign of his feeling secure and independent, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t break my heart just a bit when I walk into Bean’s room and see Mr. Bear in a corner somewhere, temporarily forgotten. Of course, bedtime comes around and Mr. Bear is center stage again.
It’s for all these reasons that I already treasure this portrait. It floods me with all those emotions every single time I see it.
Which is why I am so darn excited to tell you that Erin is hosting a giveaway for all of you today!! She is generously giving away a framed 6×9 portrait of your child’s favorite toy. Or, it might be YOUR favorite toy from your own childhood. Or, it might be your niece or nephew’s favorite toy from their childhood. Or, it might be your grandchild’s favorite toy from their childhood. THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS AND ERIN CAN PAINT THEM ALL!!
To be entered to win this awesome giveaway, leave a comment below telling me whose toy and what toy you’d want to have painted. Also, for a second chance to enter, visit the Cribsie Awards and nominate Erin for a Cribsie Award for best baby product! She’s up for nominations and would love the support! Once you vote, come back and leave another comment telling me that you voted and you’ll be entered twice for a portrait!
The giveaway will close at 8:00pm EST on Friday, February 4, and a winner will be announced sometime over the weekend whenever I get my act together.
Good luck!
*****
A very special thank you to Erin for our new family favorite portrait of Mr. Bear and for hosting such a generous giveaway!
1) Rebekah M.: my son has 2 of the animal blankies with the puppy head and the blankie body. He has named them "puppy puppy" and "peter puppy" (named lovingly after peter parker). I would have to have a painting with both in it because he flip flops on his "favorite"!!! (02.01.2011 07:27am)
2) Lisa: My nephew was just born and he came home from the hospital dressed in a little penguin hat and mitts so I would want her to paint a penguin for him. (02.01.2011 07:31am)
3) jessa r.: my sister has "Lovie" - she is so worn with love that she no longer has eyes (they were painted on) but this doll has so many childhood memories that i would love to surprise my sister with this painting! (02.01.2011 07:35am)
4) brad malone: I would love to have my daughter's teddy painted for my wife. (02.01.2011 07:38am)
5) Janet: I would love a gift certificate for my favorite cousin who just had a baby boy in September. Not sure yet what she would want painted, since he's still so little, but she would love this idea :) (02.01.2011 07:45am)
6) Emily: Fabulous! I would love for Erin to capture my piggie. My grandmother gave him to me when I was born and the poor thing has been through a lot in 30 years - lost stuffing and his tail, and has had more holes sewn together than I can count. I would love to have the picture to put in my little one's room someday. (02.01.2011 08:05am)
7) Kristina G.: Both of my boys have a Curious George stuffed animal that they love. My oldest is 7 and I really think it's time he give his up so this would be the perfect substitute! (02.01.2011 08:31am)
8) Kirsten: I would have her paint Cody. Cody Maverick that is. He is the penguin from Surf's up. When the movie was in the theatres Build a Bear had a cody you could make. The same day we saw the movie we were at Build a Bear and build a Cody. Cody has been far and away my son's favorite stuffed buddy since then. He is 7 and Cody STILL goes everywhere with us. He is one well-travelled penguin. Like a member of the family. (02.01.2011 08:34am)
9) Jen c: I would get a stuffed cardinal painted. Sullivan is a bit young to play with it yet but it is my fav toy that he has. (02.01.2011 08:40am)
10) cathy: My 19 year old son's lamb chops! (02.01.2011 08:44am)
11) Kristen: Oh goodness, get ready for a long comment! The toy I would want painted is my stuffed rabbit "Bunny". He has little carrots painted on his feet, and his little pink nose is nearly rubbed off from love. I slept with him every night as a kid and he came everywhere with me, even to college! I know my husband (then boyfriend) truly accepted all of my quirks when he knew about Bunny and gave him funny voices, made him dance, etc. when we were dating. But a few months before our wedding, he mentioned that it might be time for Bunny to no longer share our bed, so I found a special spot for him in my pajama drawer. He still comes out to visit occaisonally for a hug, though! I would love to have a special keepsake of him forever, especially when we have kids so I can share this with them! (02.01.2011 08:47am)
12) Emily: My two year old's little orange stuffed cat...appropriately named "Catty." He carries her EVERYWHERE, and she's definitely a very real member of the family. (02.01.2011 08:48am)
13) Suz McA: my niece's 'lovie' - a little bunny rabbit blankie (02.01.2011 08:56am)
14) Sarah H.: This is SO AWESOME Katie! I had a white rabbit--named Rabbit that I had with me growing up. We traveled many places, he even vacationed in my lunch box ;) He is very warn now, but I think he would make an awesome portrait for the nursery! (02.01.2011 08:59am)
15) Anna: My 19 month old's "lovie" a stuffed duck he calls (appropriately) Duck-Duck. He loves Duck-Duck and sleeps with him every night. He takes him everywhere and kisses his soft beak and says "Muah!" when he does. It was a gift from his great-grandma and we only have one (she didn't get the buy a second one just in case memo) and I love that it's from her. I would love to put this in his room, on his bookshelf, and someday (I hope) in my grandchild's room! (02.01.2011 09:05am)
16) Samantha: What an adorable idea! I'd have my childhood bear painted. I'm 35, have moved across country and back, but keep taking him with me because I can't bear to throw him away. I might just commission his little painting myself. Thanks for the great idea! (02.01.2011 09:09am)
17) Summer: Would LOVE LOVE for Erin to capture E's little lamb "Lamby". We have reciently purchased a back up that we have been rotating out to help preserve. This would be a AWESOME thing to have.!!!! SO glad you brought this to my attention ;) (02.01.2011 09:17am)
18) Christina: I would love to have my son;s stuffed monkey painted he loves that monkey and we have even nicknamed him monkey. Those pics are great and I would love to have one... :) (02.01.2011 09:23am)
19) JD: I don't have kids, but I do have an adorable niece. Her mommy would love to have such a great painting. (02.01.2011 09:25am)
20) Amanda E.: I would have her paint my daughter's Cuddle Bear. She won't go anywhere without her bear! I'd also love to have her paint my Kitty from when I was little. He was so loved that all the stuffing is long gone. But I still love him anyway! (02.01.2011 09:27am)
21) Bridget: I would have Erin paint my favorite stuffed animal, Steggy, who still sits on my bed. He was a gift from my father, who passed away earlier this year. Steggy is well loved and is going a little bald in places, and I've never seen another one like him. (02.01.2011 09:30am)
22) Emily: My daughter uses about ten stuffed animals... so it would need to be a collage of two puppys, curious george, elmo, a frog, and a lamb... her bed looks like a zoo. we are thinking of charging admission... (02.01.2011 09:35am)
23) Robin: Love this idea! I would have to get a painting of my daughter's hippo. She has had it for 5 years, and it shows the love for sure. It would be awesome to preserve it in a painting. (02.01.2011 09:45am)
24) Casey: I would have Erin paint my son's 'Bud' - his little blankie with a mouse head. Her work is gorgeous! (02.01.2011 09:46am)
25) El: I would have to have my 2 year old's "Mr. Penguin". He loves his penguin. (02.01.2011 09:50am)
26) Nikki: I don't have any children, but I think this would be a great present for my friend from high school. Her baby was born very early, and has been in the NICU since early October. She has an adorable stuffed monkey who she is now bigger than! I think it would be a great present for her room when she finally gets to go home! (02.01.2011 09:51am)
27) Casey: I voted :) (02.01.2011 09:51am)
28) Lena: My husband's. We're going to have a baby soon, and even though Radar is too old and delicate to be passed down, a picture of him in the nusery would be perfect (02.01.2011 10:01am)
29) brenda: I would love a picture of my son's Lion. He brought it back from vacation, and as soona s we did he cuddled up with it and doesn't let go! (02.01.2011 10:11am)
30) Summer: I voted ;) (02.01.2011 10:12am)
31) Brenda: I would love a painting of my 12 yr old's Piggy. She has had Piggy since she was born and she still sleeps with him. Many years ago I had to find a replacement Piggy on ebay when he was lost - but months later Piggy was found at Grandma's house! Piggy has had many "sugeries" to replace holes, but he is still holding strong! Love the picture of Mr. Bear!! (02.01.2011 10:20am)
32) Sara: I would love a painting of my little niece's beloved "baby" - my niece can't go anywhere without it, and she loves to hold it in her hand while she sucks on her thumb :) (02.01.2011 10:28am)
33) Katie: Do you remember Webkins? When those were still really popular, my mom bought one for my nephew and I - it's the cutest dinosaur ever! He's brown and they named him "Cocoa"! (02.01.2011 11:10am)
34) Gabrielle: I would love a painting that includes both mine and my husband's first bears, Teddy and Radar respectively, to hang in a future nursery. (02.01.2011 11:14am)
35) Kelly P: Oh my gosh, I'm not sure if I've ever wanted to win a giveaway so badly! I would have my stuffed animal from childhood (*ahem* that I still sleep with every night *ahem*) painted. He is a monkey named Goliath and I love him immensely. This is a fantastic giveaway! Thank you! (02.01.2011 11:16am)
36) Elizabeth: I would love to have a picture of my husband's treasured BB (stands for Brown Bear) for our future nursery. (02.01.2011 11:18am)
37) Kelly P: I just nominated her for a Cribsie. I hope she wins :-) (02.01.2011 11:19am)
38) RObyn: I would love to have a painting that includes both of my kids favorite toys. My 9yr old had a blanket names "woobie" (think mr mom) it was pink and has about an inch left on it and my 7yr old sons fuzzy puppy named "jake"...would love something to incorporate those 2 together (02.01.2011 11:19am)
39) Jfitz: I am so excited that I am finally caught up on your blog and can enter my first drawing! I would have Erin paint my nephews favorite teddy bear. (02.01.2011 11:22am)
40) laurenbtrain: i would have Anne Margarets little bunny painted. such a great gift idea. (02.01.2011 11:22am)
41) Jessica W: Probably my niece's favorite, "Piggy". Piggy has been very, shall we say, "loved"... I bet she could capture him in his (cleaner) youth. Her work is gorgeous!! (02.01.2011 11:49am)
42) Stephanie M: This is so awesome! My baby cousin has a stuffed animal that we call "Baby Love" that I'd love to have a painting of! (02.01.2011 12:07pm)
43) Caitlin {Pacifier In My Pocket}: I would have one of my son's toys painted, I can't decide which one... (02.01.2011 12:16pm)
44) Caitlin {Pacifier In My Pocket}: Also, I voted! (02.01.2011 12:16pm)
45) Maria: My son has a "Woobie" that he absolutely cannot sleep without...he holds it against his face as he sucks on his finger every single night! It's the cutest thing in the world. Woobie is a little teddy bear attached to a small blankie and he's had it since he was just a tiny lil thing. He's been washed numerous times and sewn back together once...and it's going to break my heart when Logan stops needing Woobie. This is such a fabulous gift - thank you for the chance to win! (02.01.2011 12:19pm)
46) Maria: I voted! I really hope that Erin wins - this is the cutest thing ever! (02.01.2011 12:23pm)
47) Catherine: I would definitely have the image of my daughters' first doll done. It would be so sweet! (02.01.2011 12:37pm)
48) Sandy: my son has a stuffed Koda bear from the Disney movie Brother Bear. it hardly resembles it's former self from all the "lovin" he has gotten. his poor ole neck doesn't even have any stuffin' left and his big ole' head just flops around...but the whole family still loves him anyway =0) (02.01.2011 12:43pm)
49) Mariya: Oh my gosh. I love this idea so much. I'm not sure if I'd prefer a picture of my old elephant that's barely got a trunk left, or my baby's soft elephant toy. (02.01.2011 12:50pm)
50) Kate: My husband and I are expecting our first child in July. We named the baby Paddington while in-utero. I then learned that my husband's maternal grandmother, with whom he shares a birthday, gave him a Paddington bear when he was born. I'd like to have our baby see Paddington each day. (02.01.2011 12:56pm)
51) Jend: I would have my childhood bear, cleverly named Bear, painted. It would hang in the nursery that both of my boys use at my parent's house. I would love to have one of their animals painted but they just aren't attached to one thing just yet. LOVE THIS IDEA! Thanks for finding such interesting and fun things! (02.01.2011 12:58pm)
52) Emily: I submited Erin's First Friends for the contest! What a great idea! (02.01.2011 01:03pm)
53) Sara M: My son loves his frog, whom he has not yet named. It would be awesome to have a painting of it! (02.01.2011 01:12pm)
54) Sharon: My daughter's boy friends Sock Monkey. (02.01.2011 01:14pm)
55) Allison: In thinking about this, I realized I didn't have a favorite toy growing up. But I'm sure the boy would appreciate a picture of his much loved sock monkey that his grandmother made him. It would make a great graduation gift.... (02.01.2011 01:18pm)
56) natalie V: I would love to have my childhood frog, named Charlie painted. He is so soft. I even took him to college because it was a part of home I couldnt leave. I think the bear is very cute and Erin does great work!! :) (02.01.2011 01:20pm)
57) Lissa: I think I'd have to pay a little extra to have 2 animals done for my 3 yr old son. It's his Tiger and Wolfie (or is it Wolfy?). He got the wolf at a water park (at that time, he traveled with Tiger). When we returned to the water park, we brought Wolfie, but not Tiger and he was SO mad :) (02.01.2011 01:20pm)
58) Allison: And I voted! (02.01.2011 01:22pm)
59) Melissa: What an amazing giveaway! My three yr old son LOVES Woody from Toy Story. He brings him everywhere with him. He dresses like him - both during the day and night. He wears his Woody boot slippers to bed. He tells everyone "Howdy Pardner". The teachers at his daycare even tell me that they think he looks like Andy! (02.01.2011 01:28pm)
60) Abby @ They Lend Me Their Hearts: I can't decide! I'd either choose Little Man's teddy, Sweet Pea's kitty, or Babydoll's teddy. I may just have to win one and purchase the others! (02.01.2011 01:30pm)
61) Ana: I think my little cousin's favourite toy is also a bear, a green skin one, with a cross-stitched bib saying her name: Bianca. (02.01.2011 01:35pm)
62) Abby @ They Lend Me Their Hearts: I also nominated First Friends for a Cribsie award! (02.01.2011 01:36pm)
63) Kristen: Also, I voted! (02.01.2011 01:37pm)
64) Claudia: I have a teddy bear, very similar to Mr. Bear actually, that I got with a Precious Moments doll. I didn't very much for the doll, although she was very cute; all I wanted was the bear. He has those cute droopy eyes and a little yellow bow around his neck. I am now 24 and I still have the bear. The bear does not have a name. (02.01.2011 02:24pm)
65) Michelle @ Mambo Gook: My older brother is now in medical school, but when we were younger he had Mr. Bunny. It use to be blue but is now gray with long long floppy ears, which he use to hang onto and twirl Mr. Bunny at me when I was just 1 year old (we have it on video). He loved that thing and it is has the wear and tear to prove it. He is getting to the age where he wants to start a family and I would love to get Mr. Bunny (who resides in the closet of my parents house) painted for my brother as a gift he can one day give to his own children (he wants 5!). He is working so hard in medical school and I just know he'd get the biggest kick out of it. Sometimes even big strong doctors need a piece of their childhood. (Did I mention he is thinking about pediatrics? What a great thing to have to in office). (02.01.2011 02:27pm)
66) Amanda E.: I nominated First Friends for a Cribsie! (02.01.2011 02:45pm)
67) Maria: I so need to get one of these made of my husbands favorite stuffed cat that he still plays with (02.01.2011 02:51pm)
68) Diana K.: How precious. I would love a picture of one of my childhood toys. (02.01.2011 03:02pm)
69) Maria: I just nominated Erin for a Cribsie Award. This is such a great idea, I can't believe I haven't seen this before (02.01.2011 03:02pm)
70) Colleen: I would love to have a picture of my grandson's favorite stuffed puppy--he would love it for his room. (02.01.2011 03:27pm)
71) Ashley: Probably my Cabbage Patch Doll from childhood, Rebecca. I know my mom would die if I had a portrait painted of her...and we could hang it up in my baby's room someday! (02.01.2011 03:35pm)
72) Sarah: My sons lovie "Owlie"- such a cute idea! (02.01.2011 03:40pm)
73) Julie S.: I would definitely want one of my old Care Bear. I carried that thing with me everywhere, slept with it every night- she was my favorite. (02.01.2011 03:54pm)
74) Jules: My best friend's son, Cooper, also has a Mr. Bear. I would to have it painted for him. (02.01.2011 04:09pm)
75) Courtney: I definitely want to be entered! My son has a stuffed frog that my brother won for him out of one of those crane machine games. My son loves it and sleeps with it every night! (02.01.2011 04:23pm)
76) Kate: Oh my GOSH! Could that be any cuter?! If I won, I would have Bridget's "Dilly" painted. It's a turtle with a tiny little body and head and REALLY LONG CHUNKY legs. So cute and she must have it to sleep every night. (02.01.2011 04:39pm)
77) Kara: I am in love with her paintings! My husband still has his Curious George stuffed animal from his childhood (the he took to college with him!) , and my son's favorite is his Curious George stuffed animal. I would love, love, love for them to get painted together! (02.01.2011 04:52pm)
78) Kara: I voted for Erin for a Cribsie Award! I hope she wins- she's really good!!! (02.01.2011 04:54pm)
79) Rachel: I would get either my lion painted or my daughter's bunny rabbit. She's only 2 months so she doesn't play with it yet, but it's my favorite stuffed animal of hers. (02.01.2011 04:58pm)
80) Rachel: I voted for Erin for a Cribsie award. (02.01.2011 05:00pm)
81) Liz M.: Omg adorable beyond belief. I would have my oldest little black sheep, Maa Zoe Sheep done. She named after my parents' dogs, first Max and then Zoe. Both of the dogs are no longer with us but the sheep is and it holds a special place for us. (02.01.2011 05:27pm)
82) Liz M.: I voted for a Crisbie! (02.01.2011 05:29pm)
83) Heather: my daughter has a little puppy that she sleeps with. what a great idea! (02.01.2011 05:33pm)
84) KimberlyHMN: I would get my nephew's bear painted as well. Even though he's almost 9, he still love the thing!! (02.01.2011 06:25pm)
85) KimberlyHMN: I also voted for Erin for a a Cribsie! (02.01.2011 06:25pm)
86) Christy: My daughter has a little baby cabbage patch kid that she just loves. I'd love to have that in a painting. (02.01.2011 06:45pm)
87) Allyson: My daughter has a kitty she calls "Kitty". She is now 6! She loves that cat, and he is her comfort. (02.01.2011 06:59pm)
88) Sarah D.: Well, since I have twin 3 year old boys, I would have to buy a second one, if I win the giveaway. One boy has a stuffed puppy that he has had since he was born. And the other boy has a stuffed kitty. I am just redecorating their rooms and this would be perfect! (02.01.2011 07:10pm)
89) Shannon: Lucas' pal is a giraffe named Ralphie. Ralphie is the only stuffed animal Lucas will sleep with. He is really the only thing that Lucas is protective of. It's very cute. (02.01.2011 07:47pm)
90) Jaclyn: Tough call, but I think I would get my puppy stuffed toy Mutsy painted -- I carried him around with me all the time as a kid, and it'd be a fun keepsake to decorate an eventual baby's room (not that that is happening soon for me though...) (02.01.2011 08:04pm)
91) Alicia CP: I would get buddy painted... he's a little bear that little man sleeps with (biting ear in his mouth for entire nap!) and don't need anything stuffed.. yet. (02.01.2011 08:26pm)
92) Jen D.: Oh I would love to get "Gigi" my daughter's beloved giraffe lovey! (02.01.2011 09:43pm)
93) Jen D.: I voted for Erin! (02.01.2011 09:46pm)
94) Heather in NY: Oh gosh that painting is wonderful! I'd love to have one done of my son's little orange tabby cat. He calls it "meow" and it goes absolutely everywhere with him. (02.01.2011 09:47pm)
95) Katie: My family has Giggles. He's a stuffed dog that has seen us through many, many years. He was originally a gift to me from my Godfather right before he passed away, but he has been a comfort item for many members of my family through the years. (02.01.2011 09:53pm)
96) Sarah in CT: I am feeling the twinge of nostalgia and loss of my "baby" as Emma no longer REQUIRES her lambie blanket for bed. I would definitely have a painting done of her used-to-be pink blanket with a sleeping lamb's head in the corner. It is worn out and chewed on and absolutely wonderful. (02.01.2011 10:00pm)
97) Kristi McClellan: I would love a portrait of my oldest son's Lamby. He is 7 now and it would be so sweet to have this memento. Plus, a dear family friend gave it to him so it has a lot of love in it! (02.01.2011 10:11pm)
98) april in TX: I would have my kitten and giraffe painted from my childhood. They are both from dear men who loved me and now are gone-my Dad and my godfather. They are the only real remnants of my early childhood I have left. (02.01.2011 10:22pm)
99) Michelle: That portrait is beautiful!! I would love to have a picture of my nine month olds giraffe lovey that she carries around everywhere! (02.01.2011 11:13pm)
100) Michelle: I voted for Erin in the Cribsie Award!:) (02.01.2011 11:20pm)
101) Laura: What amazing paintings! I would love a portrait of my special koala bear from when I was growing up :). (PS Don't worry, Mr Bear will probably always have a special place in Bean's heart...have you seen Toy Story 3?) (02.01.2011 11:24pm)
102) Lindsey: The little boy I used to take care of has lovies, which are his little blankets that he does everything with. It would be a perfect birthday present for his second birthday that is coming up! (02.02.2011 01:33am)
103) Carrie: My bean had a bunny she carried around for years!!! This is a super cute idea! (02.02.2011 08:17am)
104) Catherine M.: I would have a portrait made of my daughter's favorite pig, Penelope. She's a very loved piggie. (02.02.2011 08:36am)
105) Amy V: My daughter has a Mickey that she loves and we would love to have a picture of it. (02.02.2011 09:03am)
106) Shelly: Alexandra's Buster dog. He's her favorite and he was her Mama'a favorite too! He's a generational fav! (02.02.2011 10:12am)
107) Erin: Elijah is only 8 months old, so he hasn't quite found his favorite, yet, but he does have an elephant lovy that goes everywhere with him and a bear in his crib that is always in a different spot each time I get Eli up from sleeping. (02.02.2011 10:59am)
108) Erin: I voted and I hope she wins!! (02.02.2011 11:22am)
109) Amelia: Since I was about 2 years old I have had Pink Teddy. Pink has gone everywhere with me: sleepovers, camp, college, study abroad, and now to my new apartment with my fiance. Luckily he understands my love for Pink and doesn't even make fun of her new color- you know that color that all stuffed animals turn after years and years. I like to call that color 'well loved'. Would love to have a painting for the day Pink can't be around all the time. (02.02.2011 12:15pm)
110) Amelia: Pink and I just voted! (02.02.2011 12:19pm)
111) Emily: I would love to have her paint this small brown teddy bear I brought EVERYWHERE - he was especially supportive at all shots at the doctors! (02.02.2011 01:01pm)
112) Sharilyn: My son's faithful companion all through pre-school: Kowie. (02.02.2011 01:37pm)
113) Laurie: I would love to have my girls favorite stuffed owl done..she would love it. (02.02.2011 03:04pm)
114) Kathie: My son (who is turning two this weekend) has a beloved little dog stuffed animal that he carts around with him every single place he goes....I would love to have such a beautiful picture of this dog to capture it for a lifetime! (02.02.2011 03:39pm)
115) Rhi: Oh, I'd love to have a portrait of Homer the Bear. I got him when I was 6 and had my tonsils out. (02.02.2011 04:30pm)
116) Kendra D.: My son's favorite stuffed dog.. a yellow lab named Sam. He sleeps with him every night! (02.02.2011 06:49pm)
117) Susan: My favorite was an original sock monkey made by my Grannie (02.02.2011 10:50pm)
118) Julie: I would have her paint my Koala bear that I grew up with . It was given to me by my aunt who passed away shortly after in her sleep. My parents kept it for me all these years, and at Christmas, Santa brought her back to me because I just had my little girl. It is so special. (02.02.2011 10:50pm)
119) Rachel: My first teddy, 'Teddy'. My husband and I are expecting our first baby in June, and it would be a perfect addition to the 'bear' walls in our nursery. (02.02.2011 11:57pm)
120) Rachel: I tried to go and vote, but since I am from Canada, it would not let me vote. :( However I am going to order one of her portraits if I don't win! (02.03.2011 12:00am)
121) Yvonne Ledford: My Granddaughter Joeliett has her very vest friend besides me in this whole big world his name is "Big Bear". He has been a huge part of her world for almost 4 years now, and is just now being left at home more and more. There was a time in her life when she wouldn't go anywhere without him ...even across the room was too far. Granny (Joeliett's Great Grandmother) has restuffed Big Bear's head and neck more times than I can count. She has just recently started to leave him behind...which is a huge step for her. But every night when I peek into her room before I go to bed, I still see her cuddled with her arms wrapped around her "Big Bear". The most peaceful look is shown on both their faces...and somehow I know they will be best friends forever<3 (02.03.2011 04:30am)
122) andrea: AJ and Ryan have matching puppies, AJ's is blue and Ryan's pink. AJ's has been through the wash so many times it's pretty sad but he loves it and prefers it over the new one I got him when we ordered Ryan's puppy. He still sleeps with the new one too, but when I try to hide the old one he sleepily asks for his 'dirty puppy'. Then he cuddles up, thumb goes in the mouth and he rubs the tail on his upper lip. If we are feeling sick he will bring his puppy over and rub the tail on our cheek and says he's making us feel better, he's so cute. It is the favorite for both of them, Ryan tries to steal it all the time. I would get a portrait of all the puppies with dirty puppy front and center. (02.03.2011 08:58am)
123) Nikki: I voted! She deserves to win with her great idea! (02.03.2011 09:03am)
124) Crystal: My son has his own little Mr. Bear that I would love to have painted. This is such a great idea, I've never thought about something like this before. Love it. (02.03.2011 09:33am)
125) Crystal: My son has his own little Mr. Bear that I would love to have painted. This is such a great idea, I've never thought about something like this before. Love it. (02.03.2011 09:33am)
126) colleen: I'd have monkey painted. It's my lovie and I'd love a piece of artwork of it. (02.03.2011 10:02am)
127) colleen: I just voted for First Friends on the Cribsies! (02.03.2011 10:06am)
128) Laura: How cute and what a great way to honor a special friend. :) I would love a print for my niece and her IzaBear, named after Izabela who gave it to her when she was born. (02.03.2011 10:50am)
129) Mary: I would love my childhood teddy bear, Andy, painted. The poor old guy only has 1 arm left and he lives in a box in my basement. I need a way to honor my old friend before I send him to a nice farm. (02.03.2011 02:21pm)
130) Whitney: I absolutely just love this! But my little guy doesn't really have a favorite stuffed animal! I would find something though if I won! (02.03.2011 02:35pm)
131) Beth: I would love to have a picture of the baby that my daugher carries around everywhere! She takes her so many places that her poor head is permanently stained from all the excitement. It would be so great to hang in her room! (02.03.2011 03:54pm)
132) colleen fogelson: i would have my daughter's winnie the pooh blanket painted. she has had it since she was a newborn and still sleeps with it every night. i love it as much as she does!! (02.03.2011 06:09pm)
133) colleen fogelson: i went to the cribsie website and voted for first friends!! (02.03.2011 06:17pm)
134) Stephanie: My most prized childhood friend was a small version of "Cheer Bear", the Care Bear. The old school version. :) I was in a bad car accident when I was 2, and when I was in the hospital recovering, my grandparents gave me this stuffed animal. It's always had a special place in my heart. I still have it, too! :) (02.04.2011 12:46am)
135) Stephanie: I voted for Erin in the Cribsie Awards just now, too! (02.04.2011 12:49am)
136) Jaime: What a cute idea! My son has a little stuffed dinosaur whose name is Buddy. He carries it everywhere. (Actually, he has two. He calls it "Other Buddy" because he can definitely tell the difference.) My son is almost 4. He and Buddy have been, well, buddies since he was born. (02.04.2011 10:26am)
137) Jaime: I voted for Erin! Her sweet idea definitely deserves to be rewarded. Thanks for passing this information along! (PS I'm also expecting a baby girl this spring, Cadence Gray. I love reading your blog because I find so many similarities between us.) Thanks again:) (02.04.2011 10:34am)
138) Melissa Simmons: My son's bear. He has had it since he was an infant and still sleeps with it at 5 years old. (02.04.2011 07:33pm)
139) Melissa Simmons: Did the nomination. (02.04.2011 07:36pm)
140) erin: How awesome! Because then if my daughter loses her Wubba (this cute little lovey thing, a little purple "bear" but with a blankie on the bottom instead of a body), she will still have Wubba. She won't be able to make him clap his hands like she does now, but at least it will still be Wubba. :) (02.05.2011 01:36am)
141) erin: I voted for her for a Cribsie! (02.05.2011 01:39am)
142) Megan: The yellow teddy bear I received for my first Christmas, creatively named "Teddy." My grandparents gave him to me, and he still sits on my bed at my parents house, almost thirty years later. His nose is squished to one side from sleeping with him for so many years. (02.06.2011 08:43am)
143) Heather Ben: For my daughter - def a horse but she has about 6 of them so not sure which one is best. Really we are trying to phase some of them out at bedtime. (02.07.2011 01:33am)