Build a Bear...

We had planned to take Addison to Build a Bear for her birthday this year. We decided to make it a birthday tradition...we'd take her to Build a Bear, let her pick out a doll, stuff it, wash it, pick out some clothes, and name it. But because of our big celebration for her 1st birthday, with family and friends visiting from out of town, and the Super Bowl...we didn't get around to this new tradition until a week after her birthday. It's the thought that counts, right? 

I have to record that our first attempt at Build a Bear was NOT a success. We thought we would go on a Saturday afternoon...we spent a good 25 minutes trying to find a place to park at the mall, forgot the stroller, didn't give Addison her afternoon nap...should I go any further?!?! Well, I do want this in the record books, so I will continue. We finally got into Build a Bear and were browsing through the animals. Addison wanted nothing to do with building a bear...she just wanted to walk. So every time I set her down, she would run straight out the door!!! I would go to pick her up and she would throw a fit...yes, this was truly her first fit AND it was in front of a million people waiting in line to build a bear. Needless to say, we decided to take our sweet girl home and come back later. Note...Addi Kate was fast asleep within 10 minutes after we put her back in the car :)

So we decided to try our luck again, but this time, on a Monday.  We parked easily, brought the stroller, had some snacks in hand, ensured Addi had her afternoon nap, and we were the ONLY customers in Build a Bear!!! SCORE!!!

We picked out a sweet little monkey to be our first doll. We brought her over to the stuffing tank and had her filled with lots of love...

Then Daddy gave her a good bath...

We picked out a cute dress and gave her a name. Meet Marley the Monkey...

By the look on Addison's face, I think she enjoyed her birthday tradition.