Eat your giraffe...or else!

We went out to lunch last week with another family, and we watched their four month old son gnaw on this popular little giraffe all throughout the meal.  I've heard a couple of other moms mention that their babies have enjoyed theirs, as well.  In the past, I have always held out and refused to purchase this expensive little toy.  However, after reading the rave reviews the other night on Amazon, I just had to get one for Kate.  Scott learned about needs vs. wants last week during Sunday School and has been correcting us all week on the difference. THIS was definitely a NEED, if there ever was one. How in the world did I survive the teething process with my first two without a Sophie the Giraffe? This giraffe was sure to give my sweet baby much satisfaction, soothe her aching gums, and perhaps clean my house during it's downtime.  I couldn't wait for it to arrive.  

Today was the glorious day!  Sophie arrived a whole day earlier than the expected delivery date...I just knew it was working it's wonders already.  

We ripped open the package, I gave it a quick wash, and Jon handed it to Kate.  We all gathered around to watch the magic take place.  

What happened next still baffles me.  Little Kate discarded the rubber giraffe within seconds and began to fuss loudly.  Scott grabbed the giraffe's head, Natalie grabbed the hooves, and a tug of war screaming match broke out between the two of them.  Jon turned to me and said, "How much did you pay for this giraffe?"  I just stood there bewildered.  This is not what I had envisioned at all.  How could this be happening?  Did we get a defective one?

After the jealous siblings went to bed, Kate and I tried the giraffe again.  "You WILL like this giraffe!  You WILL like this giraffe!" I told her as I shoved a hoof in her mouth.  It may take some more coaching, but I think there is a bit of potential.  She seemed to be getting the hang of it, and offered me a half smile...at least that's what I'm telling myself.  We will try again tomorrow.