This is Henrietta, Heather's pink hippo sleepytime buddy:
You may be thinking, "Wait a minute. That's not a hippo. That's a giraffe!", in which case you'd be right. I thought it was a hippo. We've called her a hippo. Only just now, when I was trying to find a picture online because I'm too lazy to take one myself, did I discover that she's a giraffe. My world is topsy turvy, and I can only imagine what this is going to do to Heather. I hope we make it through.
We started giving Henrietta to Heather at bedtimes when we stopped swaddling her, and it's been really helpful. It gives her something to do with her arms. And, apparently, it's way easier to sleep when you have a hippo (argh! giraffe!) on your face than otherwise. Also, seeing her snuggled up with her is just adorable. (I need to get a picture of it, but I can't do it when she's sleeping, and I'm not sure she'll do it at another time.)
Anyway, we love Henrietta, and we'll just have to accept her, no matter what she is.
The most distinguishing feature of a giraffe is its long neck which Henrietta does not have. I think she could be a spotted hippo just as easily as a short-necked giraffe.
That's how I feel about it. Not only does she have no neck, but her face lacks the general elongation of a giraffe's. I don't know how you'd explain the horns, but I think hippo is easily as valid a description as giraffe.
I always thought it was a hippo, too! She shall stay a hippo at our house. Kessa has named Abby's hippo Alexis and calls her Lexis. It has been such from the day we opened it. Since Abby has no say in the matter, Lexis it shall stay. Perhaps I should try putting her to bed with Abby now that she's starting to work her way out of the swaddle, too. Hmmm… I don't know that it'd work, yet, but thanks for the idea (and the hippaffe! 😉 )
I don't know if it made any difference, but I slept with Henrietta for a few nights before giving her to Heather. Supposedly, that would have bestowed my scent upon her, making Heather like her better. I can't smell my smell, though, so I have no clue if it worked.