Obsessions of a toddler

Obsess: To have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic.

It all started with an attempt to familiarize Jackson with the characters he would see in the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. My parents bought him the DVD of Mickey's Christmas Carol. First watch of it he was a curious fury of excited fear. It ended and he said "moor." And so it began...

By the time of the parade he was requesting "Mick-me" periodically with a point to the TV and an adorable attempt to speak like a big kid. The parade only fueled the love by actually seeing Mickey. 

Making your child smile is one pure joy of parenting. I thought I had felt that longing to do what it takes to make Jackson smile before; but then I witnessed him at the parade. Once Mickey waved on the opening float Jackson braved the below freezing weather to see Mickey again at the next float, and the next one, and....with tearful eyes he kept hope till we finally left. His eyes have never shown so much raw emotion for a physical item; hope and love. My heart absolutely melted. 

The next week he incorporated "Mick-me ON" to his vocabulary. This continued to the point of full out tantrum over Thanksgiving week when his request was not fulfilled. Mickey became an obsession. 

I came home with a Mickey for him right before Thanksgiving. Jackson was star-struck. (super-mom or silly decision?) He stood there for a minute and looked back and forth from me to Mickey before finally giving it a hug. Mickey has since been everywhere with us, gone for ride on trucks, been feed bananas, and kissed and high-fived more than anyone. 

Jackson's requests to watch Mickey Christmas Carol only grew. Waking him up turned into an immediate "Mick-me on." He spots Mickey everywhere! Whether it be black Friday shopping, or on a Christmas ornament (which he proceeded to break in hopes of having Mickey closer to him).

Mickey gets kisses and hugs, snuggles and loves (sometimes even before Mom and Dad). Mickey is his best friend.

I even came home from work today and instead of my usual "hi mommy" all I got was "Mick-me on." We finally watched Mickey once before bath time and then as a result of great behavior once more before bed. 

I try my hardest to limit how much he watches Mickey and most importantly when he watches it. I know its only a phase....will it make it to Christmas?