Peri the Destroyer Finds a Baby

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I don't know if Peri is picking up on my nesting habits, but for the first time EVER, I have found a toy that she has not destroyed.  EVER.  For about 10 days, she has had this squeaky chicken that I found at Target.  She carries it around and follows me throughout the house with it.  We have been doing a lot in the nursery lately, hanging curtains, art, etc...and she brings "baby chicken" (as we call it) in there and just lies down on the floor with it and licks it.  It is so odd.

 

What the dood?  She literally shreds or eats things within an hour. This is her little baby I guess.  How cute is this pic?  I love my Peri dood.

 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Well good then we are going to have a healthy family on our hands :)  I am not going to stop Peri from licking Charlotte all over if she wants.  I just don't care about that.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

In fact, and this has been discussed here before, kids who grow up around animals, in less than antiseptic surroundings, have fewer allergies and stronger immune systems than kids who don't.

Research is showing that kids who get dirty grow up healthier than kids who don't. Exposure to certain bacteria at young ages helps children develop stronger and more regulated immune systems and lessens the likelihood they will develop allergies.

Fifty percent of Americans aged six to fifty-nine were sensitive to at least one allergen, according to results from a nationally conducted survey by the National Institute of Health (NIH) from 1988 to 1994, up two to five times from  rates found in a similar survey completed in 1980. When the study was released, the researchers were surprised by the number, but that number has continued to climb steadily since this survey was completed.

The apparent reason for these steadily increasing rates is the more sterile lifestyle we live today. The body's immune system is formed in reaction to foreign, generally harmless substances such as dirt, animal dander, pollen, mold, and particular foods. The more our lifestyle protects us from encounters with such substances, the greater the chance for a reaction when they are finally encountered.

Exposure to farm animals or pets at an early age could help children avoid developing allergies, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). This study found that children without pets are more likely to develop allergy related diseases than children with frequent exposure to animals during the first years of their lives.

This study also found that in the past, when families tended to be larger, children had fewer allergies. Today's children, raised in smaller families, have fewer siblings and are therefore exposed to fewer germs.

Being too clean can impair the skin's ability to heal, according to scientists at the University of California's School of Medicine. Normal bacteria that live on the skin of active children, children with pets, and kids who live on farms trigger a pathway that prevents inflammation when they get hurt. This pathway leads to a modulated immune response that reduces redness and swelling, and quickens healing.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Yes, I don't think she is turning over a new leaf or anything.  We were unpacking a tummy time matt for Charlotte and she ran off with the tummy pillow thingy - if I hadn't caught her, that'd be in the shred pile.  I looked at DH and said, we are not going to be able to be germ freaks around here and worry about Peri and Tacky licking/mouthing her toys..it's gonna happen!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Maybe this is Peri's gift for the baby?

You are a very cute and sweet doodle, Lady Peri!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I remember when Adina was pregnant it was either this chicken or a similar toy that looked like Elvis that poor poor Rosco had to give up because it sounded like a crying baby. All so sad :( Ha
Maybe she is growing up and ready to take the lead? I doubt it. I see shredded Teddy Bears ( the babies new toys) in your future ;)

[Rachel and Ollie]

:) I LOVE this. Now I guess I need to go buy a chicken and see if my destroyer has the same reaction lol

[Sharon & Monty]

awwww, what a sweetie!