A few months ago I wrote a post about Gio's thumb-sucking. While the habit continues as strong as ever, there has been a marked increase in his other comfort behavior- his attachment to his stuffed dog, Big Tom. I suppose this has something to do with the sudden change of scenery this summer- our move to Italy, his new school where no one speaks English and 4 weeks without his papa. Gio has gotten through all of these big changes well, and I think Big Tom has a lot to do with it. The teachers and children at his school quickly recognized that Gio and Big Tom go together; all have been eager to make sure that BT is always nearby on the rare occasions when Gio's grip slips from one of the worn ears.
As far as history goes, Gio was given the original stuffed animal when he was about 6 months old. He was a gift from his two Italian cousins, Cristina & Giacomo. At first the toy was just one of a few in Gio's crib, but within a month it became the one thing Gio pulled out with him when we lifted him up each morning. His thumb-sucking began soon after, always coordinated with a gentle rubbing of the dog's belly. This was, and is still, the way Gio learned to put himself to sleep.
Once Gio began to talk we learned that Gio had named his puppy "Tom". Although we do not know exactly why this name was chosen, we speculate it may be from the nickname "Tomby" that our Indian cook gave to Gio while we were in Delhi. Over the last few years I have collected a few more of the stuffed dogs for a total now of 5 big ones and 2 miniatures (or "baby Toms") for fear that the original might one day get lost. Despite the increased population, the original remains the most important. "He is my GOOD Big Tom, Momma!" This has something to do with the feel of the dog's belly. He does a careful inspection by rubbing each one until he finds the right Tom. I try every so often to get the good one into the washing machine but it is difficult to find a 2 hour window when he will not be missed. As a matter of fact, as I write this, it is in the machine. On cue Gio just asked, "Momma, where is my GOOD Big Tom?" And so begins 90 minutes of distraction, diversion and a few lies. Yesterday I discovered that one ear is about to fall off. Gio has agreed that surgery can be performed, but only by his beloved Aunt Luisa. Wise decision to avoid your momma's sewing "skills," dear boy. I suppose one day Gio will retire Big Tom, perhaps when peer pressure rears its all-too-often cruel head. For now, however, I am charmed by the the boy-puppy friendship and am happy my fellow is still very far from being all grown up.
I thought I would rummage through my iPhoto files to capture a timeline of Gio and his puppy...
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7 months old. Napping during a hike in Italy. |
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On a flight back to India. |
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The ears became favorites early on. |
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Gio's beloved pediatrician in Delhi, Dr. Kumar. |
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On a hike in Maryland. Big Tom always came along tucked into the stroller. (Topher was dressed for deer hunting season.) |
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Gio and Paolo's first trip to a Bob Evans' restaurant! |
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First birthday. |
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Searching for the "good" one.... |
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Found him at last! |
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Gio will still be holding his BT when this sweater actually fits! |
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BT has listened along to every book we have read to Gio.... |
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...and stayed on guard through countless naps. |
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He has visited Momma's old teaching grounds (The Potomac School).... |
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....and comes along on strolls (this is actually one of his "Baby Toms"). |
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A pillow for reflection. |
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One of our first days in Kyiv. |
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How many dogs have actually ridden a pony? |
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Once in a while Gio tries out other love objects. This did not go well. Her head was removed just after this shot. |
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Passing a cold winter afternoon together. |
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Sledding.... |
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...and taking a break on the long trip up to our apartment. |
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Gio obviously inherited my own fear of birds. Even BT could not comfort him here! |
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And then Enzo entered our lives.... Gio calls him "my REAL dog". |
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Halloween 2011 in Georgetown. Two BTs were needed to get through it. |
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Back in Kyiv, fall 2011. Almost 3. |
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BT has taken every airplane flight with Gio....watching the iPad.... |
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....or simply serving as an accessory to a FINE outfit. |
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Here are my two boys about to embark on their 100th flight! |
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Big Tom is there for sleep.... |
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...for ice cream.... |
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...or for just about any other adventure. |
Wouldn't be the first spin on the lovie, but I smell a children's book here...
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