Heeby Jeebies

This blog entry first appeared as a comment in Grandma and Grandpa's house. After writing it we decided that this was a story that deserved to be retold. Here it is, complete with a creepy photo:

Heather has a Big Bird stuffed animal given to her by her parents that creeps us out a little (okay a lot). It has batteries and, in principle, is a charming toy. When you cover its eyes and remove your hand it says 'peek-a-boo'. When you tickle its tummy it laughs (albeit diabolically), when you squeeze its toes it recites "This little piggy..." (three toes, three parts), when you bring its hands together it recites "Patty cakes patty cakes, baker's man...". All this in Big Bird's voice. We had placed it in Jamie's crib. The annoyance started with 'Peek-a-boos' startling us every time the lights were turned on for night feedings. The creepiness began a few weeks ago when we arrived home somewhat late. As we entered the house we heard Big Bird laughing upstairs.

We were unable to remove the batteries.

Big Bird is now blindfolded and buried in our closet. Heather's closet. I won't go near the thing.

And yesterday morning Big Bird woke us, apparently wanting to play patty cakes.