lions and tigers and bears...

Today we went to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. It was a beautiful day. The weather was fantastic. It was sunny, in the upper 60's and Curious George and Max were at the zoo meeting kids. Isobel and Eli were so excited to see both of them, although Isobel didn't understand why Max was traveling without Ruby. It was our first visit to the zoo and we loved it, at first.

About 45 minutes after we got to the zoo Eli started refusing to get out of the stroller. He just sat there saying he wanted to go home. We assumed that he was just scared of the bigger animals (we were in the wolf habitat when this started), so we let him stay in the stroller and told him not to be afraid. At this point it was about 11:30 and he wasn't getting any better, so we decided he must be hungry. We asked him if he wanted to eat lunch and he said yes. So, we went to the Rhino Cafe for lunch. That is when we realized that it was more than just hunger or fear. He wouldn't eat or drink, he was crying and just wanted to be held and he felt a little warm. So, Jon took Eli and Emmy to the car and Isobel and I stood in line to see Max. Below you can see Eli's zoo progression... poor baby...

He fell back to sleep the second we got in the car and took a short nap. When he woke up he seemed to be feeling better, so we decided we would make a quick pit stop at Babies-R-Us. As we pulled into the parking space, I heard that noise... you know, the noise all moms dread, the one that means your child just threw up all over themselves in their car seat...

Eli was so shocked by this event. I don't even think he realized it happened. He just stared at his hands and said "Mommy, I need a wipe." After I told him that he was sick he turned to Isobel and said "Bel, I'm sick" and Isobel said "I know, sweetie, I am so sorry." I don't know how many times on the drive home she asked him if he was okay. It was very sweet... It made me realize that some of my posts about Isobel may seem a little harsh. She really is a sweet girl and she loves her brother very much. In fact, when we got home she watched Blue's Clues without complaint... a sweet shock for all who know her.

Here is Isobel with Max... she was very happy to meet him!