The photo with the three of us was taken on Eddie's 6th birthday. Eddie was really big on Garfield and quietly wanted a stuffed version of him for sometime. I don't think he conveyed it to anyone but to me that he really wanted one. One that was in a relaxing pose. Garfield was really popular back then. I remember running around to different stores looking for the one he wanted and it was difficult since the smaller versions of him in different poses were more readily available. Finally, one was located at a Hallmark store ( I think it was at Water Tower Place) and it was the last one on the shelf stuffed behind some other versions of Garfield. I was really glad that I was able to get him something he would really like.
On the day of his birthday, it wasn't hard for Eddie to see that he was getting a Garfield. The way it was wrapped gave it away since it was shaped like a cat. I remember his face lit up with a big smile after he neatly unwrapped it. Eddie slept with it for a few years but afterwards always kept it in his room. That cat has never been thrown out and still remains with the family.