My tone and body language does not give the impression that a stuffed animal is missing.

I had a code red situation yesterday...no, it didn't involve white pants and some bitch named Flo...this was something much bigger.  On Friday night, Rachel did not have her beloved Baby Bear.  Since I didn't do pick up or drop off, I assumed that BB was left at school.  As a parent, I do what I do best and lie to Rachel about the whereabouts of BB.  I tell her that he is safe with her favorite teacher over the weekend.

Since it was the weekend, I had to make sure she had a substitute for that mangy, smelly bear (imagine, sleeping on a pillowcase that hasn't been washed in about eight months).  Always one step ahead, offering a solution before she even knows what is missing.  I do consider myself lucky because she recently acquired a very large Minnie Mouse that has her attention.  (That's right, Rachel will temporarily kick BB to the curb if she has something shiny and new.)  This song and dance seemed ridiculous but I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel.  The Wangs were going to get Baby Bear back on Monday.

As everyone is getting ready to walk about the door to either work, camp or daycare, Ching drops this bomb.
CCW:  "I don't think Baby Bear is at school."
JCW:  This is what assuming gets me.  "WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE ISN'T AT SCHOOL!?"
My tone and body language does not give the impression that a stuffed animal is missing.  It sounds like I caught him cheating or straying from the spreadsheet.

True to his weasly confession, BB was not at school and I am panicked.  We have lost valuable time.  Ching and I could have backtracked all weekend, taken ransom notes, posted flyers, etc.  I just wanted this bear back for my girl.  Ching senses my panic, truly thinks and realizes that the bear was left on the playground at Laurel's summer camp.  He called and confirmed that they had him.  I was also hoping they brought him inside prior to Sunday's downpour.

Rachel was so happy when she got Baby Bear back.  (The new Minnie Mouse has been kicked to the side.) The look on her face was priceless and the sense of relief that I felt for this frickin' bear makes me realize that I am due for a serious vacation.