I’m not sure what motivates a two-year-old to drop his favorite toy down the floor vent, but that is exactly what Cole did to his Mater a couple of months ago.  I am a strong believer in logical consequences and using mistakes as learning opportunities, but it was incredibly difficult for me to refrain from replacing Mater as soon as it happened.  But, I didn’t and life went on.  And, Cole never asked for a new Mater although I know that he did miss him.  This week, I had a lot of errands to take care of, and I told Cole that if he was a good listener and big helper for all of these, he could pick out a new car.  When the time came, there was no question what he wanted.  And not any of the variations—just the original—a ‘regular Mater’.  He held on tight to that Mater through the store, checkout, home, to pick up Franny, and back home again.  He now is sleeping with him.  I am so happy the two have been reunited.