Working on: Getting all the naptime we can out of the little guy. Currently at 1-1/2 hours.
---------------------------------

Yesterday Doug had class from 8-4pm so Roman and I had big plans. A new playground in the morning, lunch, nap, and then I surprised him - the zoo! We had a couple hours to kill, I figured... wanting to be home around 4:30 or 5pm.

First, the parking lot was FULL. I mean, parking on the sidewalks full. It took 10 minutes to find a spot (I usually just cruise the parking garage and slip right in). Then I surprised Roman again - we were going to ride the train! The zoo has one that gives $2 one-way rides to the back of the park (or back to the front, whichever you prefer). Anyway, we got in line and he was really excited. When the train took off, he made chugga-chugga sounds and went "whoo whoo!" It was adorable. Everything was great, we got off the train.... and then the day was shot.

Roman did not want to ride in the stroller. He wanted to walk. No, be carried. No, walk. No, stop and drink juice. No, be carried. When I finally put him in the stroller against his will, he screamed.... fists clenched, arms shaking, eyes closed, SCREAMING. This kind of thing went on and on for the next hour. He would follow directions long enough to get what he wanted... and then do something like, oh, take my wallet out of the bag and go running. Or throw his sippy cup into the dirt. Stop in the middle of the walkways and scream because I wouldn't let him drag the backpack around the zoo.

It was horrible. I wanted to cry right there. We saw three animals - lions, owls, and otters - and then left. Last indignation was when I folded up the stroller and smashed my finger in between the bars. I think I might have taught Roman a new swear word.

But here comes the sweet part. We got home (at 5:30), and Doug asked Roman very cheerily if he had fun with Mama at the zoo. Roman looked over at me and said, "I'm sorry."
He got a ton of kisses for that. And all was well with the world again.