Who needs TRU?

When I was a kid, my little brothers and I were spoiled. Sure, at the time we were ignorant of our bliss, but I can now look back and see just how lucky we were. The eldest of the grandchildren on both sides, we were doted on constantly. To this end, we also received tons of gifts ... everything from Big Wheels to the must-have of 1984, the Cabbage Patch doll that my fabulous aunt waited hours in line and apparently tripped another woman for.

With all these glittering toys at our disposal, it only makes sense that our favorite play thing would be an empty cardboard box.

Image courtesy P&G

Remember that? The old-school Pampers boxes were massive, and had a preforated front to access the diapers within. Once empty, this hole was the perfect size for the butt of a four-year-old and the box could be instantly transformed into the coolest race car in the Northeast.

The brother and I would hold living room Indy 500s reguarly, my father providing the engine as he pushed us in our boxes across the carpeted floor. As in NASCAR, collisions were the best part.

It should be no surprise to me, then, that H's favorite playthings aren't really toys at all. Sure, he adores his Sophie and will play for, well, minutes with his Sassy rings. But H's most cherished objects are tissues.

If we walk by a box, H instantly becomes a gymnist, arching his back and twisting his arms so he can pull a puffy white square from the top before I notice. He waves it in the air like a victory flag, throws it up and watches with glee as it slowly flutters to the ground. Then he scoops it back up, hugs it (yes, he seriously holds it to his heart), then quickly shoves it into his mouth.

This is when the biggest grins begin. My guess is he digs the way the thin fibers stick to his tongue, but he'll just sit there, waving his arms up in down doing the happy dance, as the tissue hangs from his mouth. Eventually, he'll begin shredding the poor thing, which is when Mean Mommy steps in and declares play time over.

No worries, though. With six boxes placed about the house, H knows his next adventure is only a short time away.