Max's New Best Friend

Remember when I mentioned that Max had become a devoted Elmo fan almost overnight? His Elmo obsession hasn't abated any and he's even more hooked on Elmo than ever. When I was out emergency shopping for a 9-inch springform pan the other week (my faithful 10-year-old springform pan having finally given up the ghost at an inconvenient moment), I spotted a little 6-inch stuffed Elmo in the toy section. Given how much Max had been enjoying his Elmo DVDs, I thought he might enjoy having his very own Elmo.

As it turned out, "enjoy" isn't a strong enough word by half -- Max LOVES his little Elmo. He talks about him so much that Molly has even started saying "Eeehmo" (and knows what it means). Max drags Elmo just about everywhere he goes. Elmo sits on the table and watches Max eat breakfast. Max holds Elmo when he watches his pre-nap DVD. Elmo waits on the bathroom counter while Max takes his bath. Elmo sits on the rocking chair while Max naps or sleeps (for some reason, Elmo isn't allowed in the crib -- only Comfort Bunny and Monkey have crib privileges). Max pretends to feed Elmo and puts him to bed and even sings to him (just like Andrea Bocelli). Elmo even comes on walks with us (he rides in Max's spot on the double stroller -- Max prefers to walk). Of course, Max also throws him around the room and bumps him down the stairs (a la Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh). But, Elmo doesn't seem to mind the occasional harsh treatment.

Who knew so much joy could be found for $5.99 in the toy section at Meijer?