The Story of Purple

Anyone that has met Nolan, has met Purple. Anyone that has seen a picture of Nolan, usually can spot Purple in the corner of the picture. Purple is Nolan's security blanket, and I get questions about him (Purple) all the time.

Here is the story....
Purple started out as a large chenille throw blanket. He went camping with me, was on my bed and then ended up on the couch when we bought our first home. By that time, Purple was starting to thin out and had an "interesting" smell to him!

Nolan came along, and Purple usually curled up with us on the couch for cuddling and nursing. Purple got spit up on and sprayed with breastmilk, which gave him an even more "interesting" smell. Nolan must have been captivated with this smell, because holding Purple close to his face was the only thing that calmed him down. I'm sure he smelt Mama and Dada on Purple, along with milk. That smell must have comforted him!

Well, eventually, Nolan had to have Purple anytime he needed to go to sleep. We cut Purple up into several small pieces, so he was easier to carry around. Purple went everywhere and was a constant source of comfort.

Now that Nolan is almost two, we have been working on some separation time from Purple. Purple does NOT come with us when we are playing with friends at the library, gym or school. If we are playing at the park or taking Roxy for a walk, Purple says in the house. Nolan has been doing very good with this, and I am sure he will only use Purple for napping and night-time very soon.

I do not worry about kids having little loveys, or attachments. That is their security, and it is very hard to rationalize with a toddler. Even as adults we have things that make us feel warm and fuzzy inside - when we see a favorite item, wear a special sweater, smell a specific smell or hear a childhood song. We somehow made it through school, college, jobs, life without that attachment 24/7 and our kids will too!

Right now, I just enjoy watching Nolan with Purple, threading the strings between his fingers, tickling his nose. So cute and innocent. I love him.