The Story of Dode

Ryan and Dode

This is Do Do. He is Ryan's baby. "He's a good baby." It started way back when Ryan was around 1 maybe 1 and a half. We went to Parker's Maple Barn with Nana and Pa. They have a country store there and Ryan saw a penguin and he knew he wanted it. Nana tried to show him some of the cuter stuffed animals, but he kept grabbing for the penguin. On the way home, he named him Vin. He loved this penguin and took him everywhere.

Ryan sleeping with Vin

When we went to NY one time, we brought Vin, of course, but when we had to leave, we couldn't find him. For weeks he was gone, no where to be found. Parker's was closed for the season, so we couldn't get a new one. We called the company that made the penguin to see if they had another one like it...nothing! Months later when Parker's re-opened. The first day, we went there to get another Vin. They had one! So, we bought it and gave it to Ry thinking there would be this loving reunion. He took the penguin and threw it on the ground and said, "Fred". He somehow knew that it wasn't the original. Fred was happy to take it! Not long after, Nana went to FL and picked up another penguin. She gave it to Ryan and love at first sight! He named him Do Do and Do Do has never left his side since.

A few weeks later we were in NY again and guess who turned up...the orignial Vin! When Ryan saw him, he called him Do Do and gave him to Devin, so now it's "Devin's Do Do". Now, Ryan, Devin, and Fred have their very own Do Do. Do Do's nickname is Dode...Ry came up with it. Anyway, I never knew how much penguins would mean to this family. I've personally never really cared for penguins...didn't really think they were that cute out of all the animals, but I've warmed up. I really had no choice. All Ry talks about all day is penguins. He really wants to touch a penguin...not sure if there is a place we can do that...maybe Seaworld? I don't know, but it's just so funny how Do Do is actually like a family member. Ry pretends Do Do's talking and puts on this cute squeaky voice. He sometimes says to Do Do, "Do Do, you're so special. I'm so proud of you." Too cute!