And the Runners Up Are...

Meet the contenders in the race for Hannah's "lovey". Contestant number 1, the stroller, was introduced previously and remains a favorite though not heavily supported by the financiers of the family due to the size and inconvenience factors. Contestant number 2, Dora suitcase, joined the race only last week after a family moving back to the US generously donated its services to Hannah. This contestant has the newness factor going for it and spent last weekend in almost every establishment we visited. Due to its size and toddler frustration factor (doesn't always do exactly what Hannah tells it to do), this contestant also lacks support from the family. Contestant number 3, lovely Cinderillion (Cinderella) slippers, joined the race after the trip to Disneyland, and haven't been too much competition, but more like a compromise when the first 2 contestants are out of the question as travel companions. This contestant does have small size going for it, but it is what we call "high risk" and the reason is twofold. Reason number one, it is actually two pieces, which creates higher potential for loss and reason number two, at any moment the owner could decide that carrying them with her is not enough and proceed to remove her practical shoes in exchange for these lovely ones. Though that is quite the European thing to do, fashion before function, it is not the best plan for someone who has only been walking for about half of her life. Contestant number 3 is on the verge of being disqualified.

Finally, number 4. This lovely little bear arrived home with Daddy last week from Bruges. She is quickly becoming a family favorite heavily backed by the financiers. She has become known as "Pretty Bear" to her owner and has already had a haircut and fallen down more times that we can count. She is not a clear winner as of yet, but the polls show her approval rate to be climbing. Stay tuned for the results...