The Lion Bathes Tonight

My brother gave Sterling a small menagerie of Safari animals for Christmas two years ago and, species by species, they have migrated their way to the watering hole commonly known as Sterling and Sebastian's bathroom.


Every night, amidst an Elmo submarine and a set of magnetic boats, giraffes, turtles, and a small pride of lions gather to bathe themselves, play with the bubbles, and perform various one-act plays for Sterling.



The lions are known (l to r) as Daddy Lion, Mama Lion, and Sterling Lion (sorry Sebastian, but in fairness they predate you). Sometimes I step out of the room during bathtime to grab pajamas or turn down Sterling's bed, only to return to hear him acting out familiar sitautions with the pride. Speaking as Sterling Lion, he says "Mama Lion, Daddy Lion, hold Sterling Lion!" He likes to bathe them, line them up on the side of the tub, put them to bed using the washcloth as a blanket, etc.

Last week, I asked what Daddy Lion says and Sterling responded with "ROOOOOOAAAAAR!" Then I asked what Mama Lion says, and Sterling responded "I love you; I have to go to work." So I guess the Mama Lion brings home the gazelle and fries it up in a pan.