Jacob's Little Buddy

It's a sure bet Jacob likes you if he informs you that you're his "little buddy". Several people have had the distinct privilege of falling into this category. Please don't be offended if you are an adult and you have not been referred to as this. So far it seems to be reserved for fellow children and certain stuffed animals. And as of today, a certain fruit has jumped to the top of the list of Little Buddies.
Allow me to introduce you to Jacob's newest buddy. When I selected him from among his peers, my mission was to find a pumpkin suitable for a preschool project. There was no way I could foresee that I was also choosing my son's new friend.



Little buddy is only an affectionate nickname. The real name given to him by Jacob is Daniel Scott Higdon, Jr. Name sound familiar? That's Jacob's cousin. I hope Daniel is honored that he has a namesake in Jacob's pumpkin.
Daniel the Pumpkin is cute, isn't he? Jacob decorated him at school. I'm unsure what the nail above his left eye is supposed to represent. Jacob said he doesn't know either. My guess is a cool eyebrow piercing, perhaps? This is one edgy pumpkin. I can explain the rubber band around his eyes, however. Those are his spectacles.
Me: "Jacob, is your pumpkin wearing glasses? That's so silly!"
Jacob: (very serious) "Mommy, some punkins have glasses and some don't."

Poor eyesight is never a laughing matter.

All evening, Jacob has carried the pumpkin around with him.
"Mommy, can my punkin come upstairs with me?"
"Mommy, my punkin wants to watch TV."
"Mommy, can my punkin sleep with me?"

I told him Daniel the Pumpkin couldn't sleep in his bed, but that he could watch Jacob sleep from the dresser. Before we could even head to his bedroom, though, snuggling with Pumpkin put Jacob right to sleep.



Goodnight, little buddies! I wonder what games Jacob & Daniel will play tomorrow?