Monkey's Bad Day

It all began like just a regular day. Monkey sat and watched us get ready to bring Daisy to the vet. I told Monkey he could come too. Daisy was very sick last year when we moved here to NYC. When she got weighed the vet said she had gained 13 pounds since she was here last. Some of that weight was because she was so sick...but obviously not all of it. Daisy gets 4 walks a day so I know she is getting enough exercise, but the vet said we should switch her dog food. Daisy and I were both not pleased. I think that is what started this whole thing...

We came back to the apartment and I sat down at the computer to write A an email and tell him about our fat dog. Monkey was still sitting in my Tory Burch bag (he loves that bag). I gave Daisy a chewy (it was the last one for awhile). I looked up about 5 minutes later and Daisy had Monkey by the tail with a small ball of white stuffing in her mouth! I gasped...Daisy bit Monkey! The worst part...she bit him in the butt!! I screamed and yelled, "No Daisy, No Daisy! Monkey isn't a toy!!!!" Monkey was a little frazzled as you can imagine. He thought that Daisy was his friend and here she was biting his bum. I separated the two animals (Daisy in the corner and Monkey to the sofa) and immediately tended to Monkey's bottom. I gave him a temporary safety pin treatment and a couple advil and let him rest. I was in tears and apologized to Monkey a million times. He was so sweet to me and even told Daisy he forgave her.

I called A and told him what our awful bad puppy had done to Monkey. He felt really bad for Monkey, but then starting laughing a little that this would add such an funny part of the story. I did not think it was very funny. I was so upset and I knew poor Lisagh was going to come down from Canada and wring my neck for not being more careful with her precious Monkey. I had been so careful to keep him up high, but in a matter of minutes while I turned my back this accident happened and now I needed to make it better for everyone. After a few hours of worrying what Lisagh would do to me, I sat down to email her about Monkey's emergency. As his guardian, I needed to know if she wanted me to 1) rush him to the nearest emergency seamstress or 2) UPS him back to Canada for some TLC and free Canadian medical care. She was so sweet and understanding and got quite a chuckle out of the fact that Daisy had gone straight for the bum of all places. She told me to find the best emergency seamstress I could find and go ahead and to a little plastic surgery on Monkey to make his butt look the best it could.

Monkey had been in my bed resting this whole time, eating ice cream and having a few cocktails to take the pain away. Silly Monkey asked me if they could take a little "fluff" out to make him look slimmer on the backside. I told him I would see what I could do. I started searching online and discovered there was a seamstress just a few blocks away from our apartment. I took Monkey with me and told the lady I had a very special Monkey that needed help. She examined Monkey and told him that she would need to keep him overnight until Friday. She said she would take very good care of him and make him look almost like new again. I gave Monkey a kiss and told him to feel better. We've been checking on Monkey daily. His surgery is tomorrow so keep him in your prayers for a speedy recovery. I'll keep you updated on his progress. Thank you Lisagh and Monkey for being so understanding that accidents happen. Daisy says she is very, very sorry. She said she'll give her side of the story tomorrow so you can see things from her point of view.

Evidence of Monkey sitting up high away from Daisy---didn't work!!
Poor, Poor Monkey's bum



A temporary solution
Monkey went straight for the cocktails to ease the pain.


Still smiling--such a good sport!

But, my butt hurts!! Ouch!!

Monkey in bed before I took him to the emergency room.



More pics tomorrow of the culprit and where Monkey is staying until Friday.

Day Two-Monkey In NYC

We woke up on Monday and I had the day off so I could show Monkey around and start packing up my apartment. I wasn't feeling to good and reached for one of my BNatal drops. Curious little Monkey asked what they were and I explained I was having a baby and they helped make me feel better. Really they are just B6 drops so I let Monkey have one. They are green apple flavored and he said they would be much better in banana.

Monkey was so excited about the baby. But, he had lots of questions. I thought Lisagh should be the one to explain all of that to him, so I just explained that the baby was in my tummy. Of course, monkey wanted to check it out. He was so sweet and talked to the baby and said hello.


Monkey LOVED the Ultrasound pictures. Here he is showing one of them for the 1st time.


Later in the day I caught Monkey studying up. Lisagh, better hurry up with that talk. This is one smart and curious Monkey.


Here is Monkey holding ALL the ultrasound pictures!

I decided to have some fun with Monkey and tried on the onsie that my my Mom sent. Monkey approved (and he looks so cute!)
And here he is again in a I LOVE NYC onsie.

Monkey LOVES New York! Here he is being silly!

I received a box of monogrammed towels to replace a few my dryer has destroyed. Monkey LOVED them. He thought the M was for Monkey. I didn't say a word.

Later in the afternoon I took Monkey to the top of our building to get some good city shots and to see all of those big buildings. Here he is with the East River in the background.

Monkey in the City!
I pointed out all the big buildings to Monkey. He was amazed!



We had a great day exploring the city and chatting! More with Monkey tomorrow!

Day One with Monkey

We woke up on Sunday for Monkey's fist full day in NYC.

Here's a pic of Monkey after he freshened up with a shower (he said he didn't mind if I posted this one).

Monkey loves pushing the button to call the elevator!

Monkey also loves riding the elevator down to our lobby!

A had to go to work, so Monkey and I went and got a New York bagel and sat in the park overlooking the East River.

Monkey posing with the NYC Park sign. He's so happy to be in NYC!

We walked around the park and I showed him Gracie Mansion which is the Mayor's house. It is hard to see over the fence, but Monkey climbed up and got a great view.



Monkey loved walking around the Upper East side admiring the brownstones. He took a break on the steps of one of them


Monkey was thirsty after all of that walking around and took a drink of water at the fountain.

Monkey is ready to go for Bruce Springstein! He was so excited to get a lift in my Tory Burch purse.

Monkey showing his ticket to see The Boss at Giant Stadium.



Since it was raining on and off we didn't get too many good pics with Monkey (wanted to make sure he was safe and dry), but Monkey LOVED Bruce and sang along with the best of New Jersey.

We can't wait to explore some more today!!

Backing Up for a Day

Yesterday, I took Monkey with me into Manhattan to meet up with MMM. Monkey was very excited to finally ride the subway - but luckily for him, since he gets a ride in my bag, he didn't have to pay the $2 fare. But he still wanted to hold my Metrocard and try to swipe it:
The train that we took was from Times Square, and it was so crowded! Everyone was out and about, enjoying the day. Times Square has one of the most awesome signs:
The NYC may be hot and has no schedule, but is awesome for two reasons: it's a flat fare whereever you go and it runs 24/7/365. However, we really can't take photos inside, but I was able to sneak one of Monkey on the N/R/Q/W platform (apologies for the blurriness):
And then after climbing down stairs, up stairs and one train transfer, finally we made it to Pinkberry! Yum yum, I think MMM was right - Monkey did enjoy it; I know I have become a recent convert (I really must be living under a rock these days):

Monkey Arrives in the Big Apple!

I met Maria at Pinkberry late yesterday afternoon to pick up our little Monkey. Maria has pictures of Monkey at Pinkberry that she'll post in her last post. Monkey tried my original with kiwi and strawberries and Maria's green tea with raspberries and he was an immediate fan of swirly goodness!

We walked home and I introduced Monkey to Daisy.

Daisy thought monkey was another toy for her collection so Monkey will have to stay up high this week. But, after I explained who Monkey was and where Monkey came from Daisy understood he was a very special visitor and gave him a welcome lick and sniff.




Then, Daisy brought Monkey the toy that her Aunt Lisagh made for her since I told her Monkey lived with Lisagh. Monkey was very impressed.


Monkey was quite thirsty when he arrived and politely asked for a beer. He was excited to try one from the Brooklyn Brewery. He told me about all of the other local brews he has tasted on his trip and we chatted about his great adventures so far.


Monkey heard some sirens and his little ears perked up. I explained to him that he would hear a lot of sirens in the city. He was a curious monkey though and wanted to see what was going on. He discovered it was just another fire truck answering a 911 call at the retirement building across the street.


Monkey admiring the city view from our window.


Monkey could not believe how big the buildings are. I promised him I would show him some even bigger ones this week during his stay.

Monkey LOVED my table setting (also done by his Lisagh). A and I went out to dinner for some Mexican last night and monkey really loved the margaritas.

Monkey asked if he could wear my Bonnanos to dinner and I said of course!

After a great dinner we came back home and Monkey was so sleepy that he curled up on the sofa and went to sleep. He loved using Lisagh's pink and green potholder (the perfect monkey sized blanket). He said it reminded him of home.

Today Monkey is going to go to the park and then to see The Boss at Giant stadium. This Monkey loves his concerts. How many is this now?

So Long, Farewell

Yesterday was a VERY long day at my job. I tutor students at the Writing Center LaGuardia Community College, which is part of the City University of New York. It was a long day not because it dragged on, but rather it was my 9am-9pm day (with a break, of course). Monkey was well prepared:
An energy drink and a huge dictionary - the tools of champion tutors. Even though the hours are long on Wednesdays, it is very rewarding. At the end of the day (8:37pm to be exact), Monkey was still able to keep me awake:
When I work till 9pm, my fiance Mel picks me up. He was in the mood for Japanese, so Monkey, Mel and I headed over to our favorite Japanese restuarant, Ariyoshi. Monkey helped Mel pick out what to eat:
We ended up with the kiji-don/udon special - chicken teriyaki, tempura udon, and red bean and green tea ice cream. Yum!

Today, Monkey prepared for his next stop on the trip. While he made his goodbyes, my mom and him got together for a very special photo:
A Manitoban meets a Quebecan, and proudly show their passports.

Thanks for hanging around Monkey!