Teddy Noor Isolde

Today I became a Teddy. The Teddies form a group of toddlers who gather in their club house three times a week. It has been a men's club for a while, but since last month lady Teddies have joined, creating an equal balance between ladies and gents.

So, this morning I came with my little bag with flower print, which contained my personal belongings like a toothbrush, an extra set of clothes and a notebook, you know, what all of us girls need when we go out, and made my introduction with my new friends.

I was delighted at my welcoming, sitting in the chair especially appointed to me, from where I could observe the other members when we sang the morning rhymes. I'd heard the rhymes before, so it was fun to be able to join in from the start. 'Klap eens in je handjes' is what I like most.

Being new to the club, I was allowed to bring mama, who will be accompanying me until I'm comfortable enough to stay by myself. We'll see how it goes, it's kinda nice because mama knows me and I can still get my cuddles from mama. But, for sure, I will just have her drop me off soon.

We Teddies are supported by two teachers and several therapists. I've met most of the therapists before and the same goes for my fellow ladies at the Teddies. But the teachers and the men were new to me. So far everyone seems really nice!

I had a new play experience right this morning. We were all sitting at the table, each of us in another specially appointed and adjusted chair. Teacher Tresha then spraid some weird, bright white foamy stuff from a can in front of us on the table.

Never had I seen this before, how interesting it was to me, so after a while I decided that I just had find out what it was. It felt a bit wet and it tickled on my fingers. I grabbed it, smacked it with the palm of my hands, felt it between my fingers and smeared it in my hair.

Weird, but fun. And, the foam smelled very familiar to me. Actually, it made me think of papa! -Mental note: ask papa if I can use some of his white foam for play -

Of course, a club meeting is nothing without enjoying some food together. We all brought our own and I had a slice of bread with smeerworst (creamy liver spread, somewhat similar to pate). Okay, I have to admit, I was showing off a bit on how well I can eat bread, but hey, it's what I do, eat bread!

After we had our food and drinks it was time for some leisure activities. We have this toy at the club house, it's like wheel on a stand and from it hang small plastic mirrors with bells. If you touch it, it makes such nice clinging sounds and reflects the light that shines on it. Cool gadget.

I was very much impressed with all these new people, the group together, all the sounds -it seems that the other Teddies, especially the ladies, because the men are considerably more timid, can object and produce the same outcries with the same volume as I do-, the new games and trying out two new chairs. So, I decided to leave early this first time.

During the car ride home I evaluated this morning's goings with my mom. We agreed that it was a great start of my career at the Teddies and I look forward to go back next week. Ah, what can I say... Het houdt je van de straat, he!