Growing up, almost every child has a special toy that they carry with them absolutely everywhere, much to the chagrin of their parents.
For most kids, it’s a cuddly doll, or maybe a cherished teddy bear like the one that little Ruthie carried all the way to the mall. Other kids might push the limits, and fill their bed with plastic trucks or Barbies at nap time.
But for the most part, these objects of affection do tend to be actual toys, the kinds of things you could pick up in the kids’ aisle at most department stores. Most little ones don’t spend their days attached at the hip to an item that one generally finds at the hardware store, rather than the toy store.
But little Sylvie, a toddler from the greater Boston area, isn’t most kids.
Though she’s not yet 2, she’s already marching to the beat of her own drummer. Nowhere is that more apparent than in her idiosyncratic choice of favorite toy.
Other kids can keep their blankies and bears; Sylvie is very happy indeed with her best friend, a large plastic lawn owl named Whootie.
[H/T: BuzzFeed]
The world first became aware of Sylvie's affection for the lawn ornament when her uncle, Pat Tobin, posted pictures of his niece and the bird on his popular Twitter feed.
He posted the image with the caption, "Most kids have a stuffed animal or blankie. My niece has one of those plastic owls u put outside to scare away birds."
Before long, the whole internet was enamored with the little girl and her companion, who goes with her everywhere.
Her mother, Rebecca, told BuzzFeed that the owl has strayed far from its intended purpose; it was originally given to Sylvie's father to help keep birds from landing on his boat.
Instead, the plastic owl caught Sylvie's eye, and ended up as a bona fide member of the family.
Sylvie brings the critter everywhere and plays with the owl just as she would any other beloved toy.
She even lets "Whootie" take rides in her little pink doll stroller.
The hollow owl might look pretty terrifying to most of us, but Sylvie seems to be the only one who doesn't find her feathered friend frightening.
Apparently, she has always liked owls, and took a shine to the bird immediately.
She even takes it to bed with her at night, and her mom says that the tot likes to say, "Hi owl, hi owl!"
She carries it around everywhere, so it's fortunate that the lawn ornament is so lightweight.
It's almost as big as Sylvie; any heavier and she might not be able to carry it with her on her adventures!
And if you think Sylvie's got the right idea, you can still buy an identical owl, which comes with a rotating head, online from most hardware retailers.
This one, for sale from Gempler's, is advertised as, "Realistic owl frightens birds and other pests. Owl's head bobs and rotates in gentle breezes to give this replica a lifelike look."
All we can say is, try telling that to Sylvie!
If you're touched and tickled by this little sweetie's love for Dad's fearsome lawn ornament, make sure to SHARE with parents and grandparents who know how delightful and funny kiddos can be!
