Scratch my back Elmo.

There was Tickle Me Elmo.

 Then Birthday Elmo.

And now, thanks to Aunt Courtney and the 7th night of Chanukah, Ari is a proud owner of the newest red furry fad: Lets Rock Elmo:

Like every other kid, Ari loves Elmo.  He sings with him, he dances with him, and he even eats with him.  No, really. Ari gave up a cookie so that Elmo could enjoy it.  (But after 45 minutes, Ari must have assumed Elmo was choking on the cookie because he removed it from Elmo's mouth and proceeded to eat it himself.  Sorry E.) 

But, I'm about to tell you something pretty shocking.  You may not believe me, but I figured out why the little people like Elmo.  Here it is... Elmo is real.  !!!   He has a personality.  (He cracks jokes and laughs at himself.  Sorta like me.)  He has likes and dislikes ("Elmo likes to sing acapella."  Whoopdeedoo.)   He even makes demands and tells us what to do.  ("Bring me my drums, touch my foot, hand me the tambourine."  You mean the $60+ dollar price tag doesn't include instrument retrieval?  Elmo, can you say "Rip off"?)

But here's the coup de grace.

Elmo has feelings.  Seriously.  When Ari no longer wants to play with him, Elmo gets testy.  And sorta annoying.  And then he makes me Ari feel guilty, tells him he's taking a break, and ultimately gives him the silent treatment when Ari diverts his attention elsewhere.   

I'm not sure I can take much more of this.  Elmo is freaking me out.  And, this whole 'Sesame Street character has emotions' thing makes me worried... and nervous... and scared. 

And overwhelmoed.