No. It’s real. The photo you see here was taken at an actual Toys R Us store.
They have a POOL at Toys R Us? You were wearing your bathing suits there?
No. The picture of me and Gus wasn’t taken at Toys R Us. The picture of the packaging was.
So where was the picture of you and Gus taken?
Someone’s backyard pool in West Nashville.
Are you becoming a freaky insufferable stage mom trying to get Gus into modeling?
No. I am not becoming a freaky insufferable stage mom. And I am not trying to get either of my children into modeling. Or acting. Or tiny man pageants. Or anything else, for that matter. Gus might play soccer at the Y next year, but that’s about it.
So how did this come to be?
My friend Chad is a photographer who worked for a toy company, andlast summer he asked us if we’d like to pose with the swim gear. I thought it would be FUNNY, and Gus wanted to do it, so I said yes. Plus Chad's company gave us $50 and a free Mexican dinner, and Gus and I are total sluts for Mexican.
Gus is pretty cute. You should totally have him model!
Thank you! I think Gus is cute too, but I don’t think modeling is an interesting use of his time (or, if we're being completely honest, mine). I realize that some children really enjoy modeling and their parents enjoy it, and that’s fabulous for them. I don’t think it would be fabulous for us. This was a one-shot deal. Just for kicks.
Can I get a pair of these swimmies at my local Toys R Us?
Probably. I think the product has been distributed nationally, but I’m not sure exactly which stores carry it.
Why did my friends not care when I brought these in for show and share?
I have no idea, Gus. Maybe they didn’t recognize you in the picture. Maybe they don’t see the novelty in it. Maybe they're not fans of irony. Maybe they thought you were showing off? Maybe they just don’t give a shit. Who knows? The preschooler’s mind is a mystery to me. But don’t sweat it. Your family thought it was cool. And that’s what matters.