Croaker the Frog.

I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine.  He's a creation of C.A. Toys of Sydney Australia who were established in 1976.  When you tip him forward and backwards, he makes a croaking sound like a frog.  I figure there's a ball that runs over a bumpy insert inside of him to make the noise.

I don't know if he had an official name by C.A. Toys but his name is "Croaker".  His name is handwritten on his tush tag in my Grandma's handwriting.  My Grandma loved stuffed animals.  All of the beds in her house had toys on them.  Croaker sat on a bed in my Grandma's house for as long as I can remember.  I always remember him so I figure he must be at least 30 years old.  This frog has been picked up and rocked back and forth by my Grandma, Grandpa, Husband, Dad, Mum, Sister, Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Friends and by my own children.  He's not handmade, but he has been lovingly touched by many, many hands in his lifetime.  In June, 2010, my Grandma gave Croaker to me...the following month, she passed away.  It was the last gift she gave to me while she was alive.  I have numerous momentos to remember my Grandma by, but this frog is the one that means the most.

I'm not really one for having toys on my bed but Croaker is the exception.  He's spent his whole life sitting on a bed.  It's only right that he continues to do so.