Perhaps it’s my emotions – the mixed melancholy and excitement as my children move onward and upward as the new school year begins. My daughter is out on her own as she begins her second year of college and my son is driving himself to school and football practice. But when I saw that today is Winnie-the-Pooh’s birthday, I felt a tinge of longing. Reminiscing about the days when my children were younger and would cuddle beside me to explore the 100 Acre Wood through A.A. Milne’s books. The stories of Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and all their friends have long been favorites in our home.

A delightful stuffed Winnie-the-Pooh sat prominently in my daughter’s childhood bedroom. The sunlight would often illuminate it so that when I peaked in her room, I would see him greeting me. It often gave me pause, how perfectly that sweet bear could capture the imagination. (I attempted to recreate the photo, I’ve held onto the bear for all these years.)

On this day in 1921, a 20″ high teddy bear purchased at Harrods in London was given to Christopher Robin Milne on the occasion of his first birthday. Now, over a century later, I celebrate the many children (and adults) that have been welcomed into the world of the 100 Acre Wood. Though he began life as Edward Bear, he soon became the beloved Winne-the-Pooh we all know after an encounter with a Canadian black bear named Winnie and a swan named Pooh. He came to life first in a collection of poetry (1924) and soon thereafter in his own book, Winnie-the-Pooh, in 1926. He’s been with us all ever since with his naïve sense of wonder and kindness. 

Side note, the original stuffed bear and collection of friends are housed at New York Public Library – it’s in my bucket list to see them in person!