Speaking of Best Buddies...

I don't think a bear and a frog would be naturally compatible in the wild, but in our house, they get along extremely well.

You all know Froggie, right? It's Scotty's little lovey.  This tiny green blanket with a head has quickly become Scotty's object du-jour. His BFF. Gayle to his Oprah. These days, we can't leave the house without Froggie tucked safely under Scotty's chin.

Froggie has literally been with us from the beginning. He's ever-present in most of Scotty's early photographs.

Note the wisp of green fabric in the upper left corner...that's Froggie, looking over his little Bear.

Froggie even travels well. He came to Chicago with us for Christmas when the Bear was only four months old. On our way home, I accidentally dropped him behind the security check-out at the airport.  I was ready to create an international incident to get that little green blanket back, and thankfully, a security guard took pity on this new mom and fetched him for us. Peace ensued, and I did not get arrested.

Froggie ventured with us to Arizona for that fateful play-off game in January 2010. The Bear was only four months old, but both he and Froggie attended their first Packer game.

Again, upper left corner - yup, that's Frog. Ever vigilant, ever soft.

(Editor's note: I about died laughing looking back at some of Scotty's baby pictures. Holy cats, can you say "FAT baby?" Good heavens, the kid was plump. I cannot believe we were never reported to CPS for encouraging childhood obesity at such a young age. Look at those rolls. His little brown socks are actually causing indentations on his gigantic non-ankles.)

The Bear starts his day with Frog, and ends it with him. During naptime, Scotty likes to talk to his frog about the day's events - everything from music class to who-did-what on the playground. They sing, they laugh, they cry together. Froggie is an excellent confidant.

Scotty frequently will point out various landmarks and objects to Froggie. On car trips, he likes to smash Froggie's face against the window while shouting, "Flag! Look Froggie! It's a FLAG!" I'm sure in his own mind, Froggie is delighted by the attention.

Here, Scotty shows Froggie one of the hot air balloons that drift by our house every morning.

Nudie Bear

The Bear does not like it when anyone but Brian, I, or himself hold Froggie. He's very particular. You can tell here by the look on his face that he is very unhappy.  Henry doesn't know it, but he's playing with fire right now.

Disgruntled Bear

Ahhh, order has been restored in the Universe.

Placated Bear

The only time the two are apart is when it is forced. Scotty manages to handle it well, however.

"Stay strong, man! Hold your breath!"

I fear Froggie will be an unintentional student this fall when the Bear begins preschool.

Hell, at this rate, Froggie will likely attend college with the Bear.

It's cool...they seem to be a perfect match. And he mashes into a suitcase fairly well.