The (Baby Blanket) Black Market

So. I feel like a craptastic Mommy tonight. I lied to my daughter the night before her birthday. ::hangs head in shame::

Aidy has this pink lovie-blanket that I purchased for her before she was born. It is so soft, with minky on one side and satin on the other; pink with quilted dots on it. Each time I pick it up from wherever she has left it, I can't put it on her bed without rubbing it against my cheek and pressing it into my nose. It smells like my baby girl. She adores this blanket and it goes everywhere with her. She asks for it every night. Tonight I tried to pacify her by telling her that it was "stinky stinky" ::holding nose:: and "in the wash" but she would get it back tomorrow. Then I sent D out to find a new one FAST, unfortunately he was unsuccessful....

..... the truth is.... that it's gone.

It was a bit chilly yesterday morning when D and I went for our run, so I grabbed the girls their blankies and we headed out. It must have fallen out of the jogging stroller without us noticing because search high and low and in and out and upside down - it cannot be found.

The worse news: It has been discontinued and it's no longer in stores.

::sigh::

I've been forced to turn to the Baby Blankie Black Market.

There are websites devoted to collecting and selling random toys just in case my disaster should occur. On the whole world wide web I have found 2 sellers that have my daughters most beloved possession.... for the low low price of only 5 TIMES what I paid for it originally (plus shipping). Am I going to pay their outrageous prices to replace it? You'd better believe I am.

I would like to say, "Maybe she is getting old enough to let go of lovies" or "I can't support these people taking advantage of my situation like this!" but I can't do it. I can't look into those big green eyes and tell her that her "Bankie" is gone for good. The one she snuggled with every night... the one that she took to daycare when I worked... the source of comfort at night when Daddy was gone serving his country.... I can't do it. I'll recover from the sentimental loss, but I don't think her little heart could take it.

Did you have a "Lovie" when you were young?
Whatever became of it?
What do you think about the "Black Market" for beloved baby lovies?

Here it is. Have YOU seen this 'Bankie'?