Ode to Hippo

You were there

when we brought

our first new baby

home from the hospital.

You were cast aside

many a night

because the doctor said

"No toys in bed."

You were snuggled by Mommy

more than by the babies

because she loved

your softness.

You are the reason

Griffin says

"hippopotamus"

so clearly.

You have been thrown across the room

and used as a

pillowfight weapon

on more than one occasion.

You started to get

a bit faded and worn

after Sammy turned

one year old.

Then came the day when

two little boys brought

a bottle of lotion into their bedroom,

and you got in the way of their fun.

Mommy checked your label

and it told her

to only wipe you down gently

in order to clean you.

Wiping

didn't

work

out.

So here's to you,

Mr. Hippo.

You were a wonderful part

of our lives

for three soft, fluffy,

light-blue years.

Mommy will miss you.

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Would anyone else care for a tissue?