One of the kid’s classmates seemed to be in need of a Boo Boo doll, so last December Bazillus moved in with him. From that moment on, he became a constant companion—going to school every day with his new owner, tucked into a backpack, sitting through lessons, and quietly munching away on any worries that came his way.

By now, he’s with a second grader turned third grader, and it’s safe to say Bazillus has seen a lot. Between bedtime cuddles, long days in a school bag, and all the adventures (and germs) of public places, he’s definitely lived a full and rather demanding life—his name really suits him these days. Maybe it’s time I took a new photo, because he’s clearly been through a lot and doesn’t quite look as fresh as he once did.

This is what Bazillus looked like when he was younger: