My oldest, Alex, was born in October of 1996, and I stayed home with him for the first few months. He nursed around the clock, only sleeping if he could lay on me. We spent a lot of time parked on the couch, and I was always happy when Rosie O'Donnell came on in the afternoon because I hate most daytime TV and a girl can only read so many books.

One afternoon, I saw a new toy on Rosie's show called Tickle Me Elmo. I thought it was pretty darn cute, and when I saw one while Christmas shopping in November, I got it for Alex. I had no idea how lucky I was. The week before Christmas, Alex's dad and I made jokes about selling the thing, because the demand had decimated the supply and people were getting a little obsessed with getting their hands on one. That original Elmo is still knocking around the house, bedraggled and worn.

This flashback comes courtesy of Eden, who sent Blogging Baby a heads up about the newest Elmo and how he's going to help out the Boys and Girls Club of America. The original Tickle Me Elmo and the TV show, The View, are both turning ten (so is Alex!). To celebrate, Fisher-Price is going to deliver the first "T.M.X." Elmo off the assembly line (intended for sale in the U.S.) to the highest bidder, with a portion of the sale proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of America. You can get in on the action over at eBay. Happy bidding!