A Tale of Two Giraffes
If you’re a long time follower of Improvising Fatherhood, you’ll recognize these giraffes. The giraffe on the left has been Chandler’s favorite stuffed animal all his life. And as you can see, when compared to the brand new one on the right, his giraffe has been well loved and taken everywhere.
Ashley has wanted to swap out the original giraffe for the new one for quite some time now. I have been against this idea from the start. If you ask me, that giraffe isn’t dirty. It’s experienced. It’s not covered in filth. It’s covered in memories.
Nevertheless, I supported my wife’s decision. Also, Chandler threw up on the giraffe today. We asked Chandler if he’d like it if giraffe took a bath and came back all clean. Chandler said yes and giraffe was whisked away. Moments later a sparking clean giraffe returned.
Chandler’s expression was very telling.
Mom - “Chandler, aren’t you happy to see YOUR giraffe all clean now?”
Chandler - “Leon’s giraffe.”
Leon is Chandler’s friend who has the exact same giraffe, except his never leaves the room and looks brand new.
Mom - “No, this is Chandler’s giraffe. I gave him a bath and he’s all clean now!”
Chandler - “Nope.”
Later, as Ashley was putting Chandler to bed, he began throwing the giraffe across the room.
Ashley - “Chandler, do you want dirty giraffe back?”
Chandler - “Yes, ask daddy.”
He then went to the top of the stairs and called out to me, “DADDY! Dirty giraffe back!”
And so, Chandler is now peacefully cuddling up to his experience-riddled giraffe covered in his own memories.
