KIMIKO

Arrival Date: 12/15/18

Size: 13"

Year: 2017 Secret Collection

Edition Size: 900

Designer: Alison Mills

Purchased From: ebay

Cost: $82.73

Thoughts: I have wanted Kimiko since she came out! I hoped she and Koda would make it to US QVC like Kiri, but they never have. In November 2017, they were both on CB Direct, but they don't combine shipping, so I was looking at $52 in shipping costs for a box the same size as one larger bear for $26 shipping. I didn't like that, so I wavered on buying the pair and then Kimiko sold out. I haven't seen her for sale often since then. I remember one that was damaged, but the seller wouldn't lower the price accordingly. Well, finally, today I got my Kimiko! She came on ebay the same day Annuska restocked at CB Direct, so one is a Christmas present from my mom and the other I'm paying her back for. Kimiko is stunning. She's just like Kiri, but with different colors. The same chubby belly, cute face, little feets, thick tail and super soft fur. I love both of them and I need Koda now!

ANNUSKA

Arrival Date: 12/8/18

Size: 14"

Year: 2018 Secret Collection

Edition Size: 600

Designer: Alison Mills

Purchased From: Charlie Bears Direct

Cost: $85.88

Thoughts: Annuska caught my eye in the Secret Collection catalog and I've been eagerly awaiting her to become available. So of course she did everywhere else first! She's still not available within the US, but we Americans can order her (if we want to pay almost $27 in shipping) from CB Direct in the UK. I missed her the first time she was offered and was very upset, but then caught her the next morning. She arrived today, which I was not expecting at all, because she was supposed to come on Monday. UPS doesn't deliver on Saturday, but I'm thinking they made an exception for this huge snowstorm we're supposed to get these next few days. Annuska's bigger than I expected and she's SO SOFT. I think she's the softest CB I own. She's just amazing and gorgeous and wonderful.

BIRTHDAY BEAR 2018 (Rehomed)

Arrival Date: 12/4/18 (Rehomed 2/25/21)

Size: 14"

Year: 2018

Edition Size: 2,000

Designer: Isabelle Lee

Features: Plumo

Purchased From: BAMS

Cost: $74.95

Thoughts: I haven't blind pre-ordered the birthday bear since Malcolm two years ago. I didn't do it this year. I waited along with everyone else to see what the mystery bear looked like and was surprised to see an original design. BB2018 was clearly inspired by a couple mohairs. She resembles the mohair year bear, but also Trinity, who must be one of the most popular mohairs ever. I think this is the first time they've done a plumo for the birthday bear, too. I didn't let myself get too attached to her, because I wasn't sure I'd get one, but my stockist must have had a cancellation and I was able to get her after all. She's very cute and unlike any other bear in my collection. If she was tipped in a lighter pink, I don't think I would have wanted her, but the darker really works well with her creamy main color. She doesn't have a name, but mine is Flora for the moment. It may change.

HANK

Arrival Date: 12/4/18

Size: 11"

Year: 2018

Edition Size: 899

Designer: Alison Mills

Purchased From: BAMS

Cost: $66.95

Thoughts: Hank was not one of my initial pre-orders, but when I saw owner pics from the UK, I added him on. He's just too cute! I love hippos. He has excellent detailing, as usual for CBs. He was supposed to be 3rd quarter release, but we got him a bit late.