18-month check up and scary balloon

siri had her 18-month check up today, and we are happy to report the following stats:

weight: 27 lbs, 12 oz (89th percentile)
height: 33.5 inches (92nd percentile)

she did really well at the check up and cooperated with everything the doctor asked her to do. when it came time to get her shot, she didn't fuss or cry. our pediatrician was thoroughly impressed and told siri she could call him anytime. after the check up, the doc asked if he could give siri a treat for being so good. i told him it was ok, and he relayed the options of balloon, sticker or lollipop; i chose balloon. then, hand-in-hand, siri and the pediatrician walked to the front office to select a balloon color. siri chose purple, and the doctor blew on a train whistle while inflating the balloon. as soon as the doctor handed over the balloon, siri went back to the balloon drawer and asked for more. yes, a bit greedy.

we walked to the car -- mommy held onto the balloon ribbon fearing it would fly away. once at the car, i let the balloon loose in the passenger seat and proceeded to strap siri into her carseat; this is when she freaked out and decided she no longer liked the balloon. she kept pointing at the balloon, saying "scare" (siri learned the word "scare" and uses it when she is afraid of something). i initially ignored her and reassured her that the balloon was harmless and is the same one that was in the doctor's office. she wouldn't have it. she wailed. she screamed. she yelled "scare!" over and over again. at the first red light, i threw my purse on top of the balloon in order to weigh it down. it didn't work. the balloon popped up to greet siri and was met with an immediate "nooooo!!!! scaaaaarrrreeee!" at the next red light, i trapped the balloon between my purse, my jacket and the door. that seemed to have done the trick. and, not seeing the balloon surface, siri calmed down and proceeded to doze off for the remainder of the car ride home.