Every time we go to the mall, Annie stops in front of the Build-A-Bear store and stares at the window display with her mouth agape. Normally I’m able to usher her away after a minute or two, but on our last trip she spotted a bear wearing a Cinderella dress. She broke away from us, sprinted into the store and literally tried to climb into the display, saying “I got to have dis bear, Mama!” After I explained to her that she couldn’t have that bear, I decided she was old enough to make one of her own.

Who knew building a bear would have so many highs and lows?