Monkey Madness
I bet you didn’t believe me when I told you yesterday that I have a monkey on my back, but here’s the proof.

He was actually a gift, from someone who showed up at the plaza to see the show a few months ago.
As much as I appreciated the gesture, I stuck the monkey in my office on the window sill thinking I’d probably give it away to some child. Turns out the child was me. Every time I’d look at that monkey he was looking back with that simian smile of his. Upon further investigation, I realized there was more to this monkey than meets the eye.
He’s called a Zoobie Pet and he converts from a pillow to a blanket hidden in a zippered pocket. I decided to take him home, figuring my daughter, even though she is a teenager, might get a kick out of him. When I got in the car, I wrapped my Zoobie around me to stay warm (this was back in January). I immediately fell into a wonderful sleep (and I never nap) and didn’t wake up until the car service pulled up to my house.

Well, that did it. I was smitten. Forget about Lily, this was my monkey now. And every day since that car ride I have taken Zoob with me back and forth to work. Even our security guard Joe has gotten to know Zoob, my security blanket.
And before you say I’ve totally lost it, how about this: Natalie Morales happened to spot the monkey in my office and fell in love with him, too. Of course she wanted one for her four-year-old son Josh (at least that’s the story she’s going with). As a surprise, I ordered a Zoobie Pet for Natalie’s son (he’s a giraffe guy, not a monkey man, so that’s what I got him), as well as one for my assistant Amanda’s baby girl Sophia.
And in case it looks as if Lily was left out in the cold without a blanket, she wasn’t. When it comes to this monkey business, Lily thinks I’m bananas.


He was actually a gift, from someone who showed up at the plaza to see the show a few months ago.
As much as I appreciated the gesture, I stuck the monkey in my office on the window sill thinking I’d probably give it away to some child. Turns out the child was me. Every time I’d look at that monkey he was looking back with that simian smile of his. Upon further investigation, I realized there was more to this monkey than meets the eye.
He’s called a Zoobie Pet and he converts from a pillow to a blanket hidden in a zippered pocket. I decided to take him home, figuring my daughter, even though she is a teenager, might get a kick out of him. When I got in the car, I wrapped my Zoobie around me to stay warm (this was back in January). I immediately fell into a wonderful sleep (and I never nap) and didn’t wake up until the car service pulled up to my house.

Well, that did it. I was smitten. Forget about Lily, this was my monkey now. And every day since that car ride I have taken Zoob with me back and forth to work. Even our security guard Joe has gotten to know Zoob, my security blanket.
And before you say I’ve totally lost it, how about this: Natalie Morales happened to spot the monkey in my office and fell in love with him, too. Of course she wanted one for her four-year-old son Josh (at least that’s the story she’s going with). As a surprise, I ordered a Zoobie Pet for Natalie’s son (he’s a giraffe guy, not a monkey man, so that’s what I got him), as well as one for my assistant Amanda’s baby girl Sophia.
And in case it looks as if Lily was left out in the cold without a blanket, she wasn’t. When it comes to this monkey business, Lily thinks I’m bananas.

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Meredith,
I love your blog and read it daily! I would like to get a Zoobie Pet for my nephew. What is the web adress for ordering?
Very adorable monkey you have there, Meredith. Have you named him or her? I so adore everything cute and cuddly...
Lacie - They have a website. Here it is:
http://zoobies.com/main.html
I work for a small company upstate that makes the SaraBear diaper caddy. We often have our kids at work (2, 2 1/2, 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 plus the little girl I am due with Saturday) we have so many incredible "little kid" and "baby" things, we often find ourselves cuddling blankets, tossing little toys around and playing with dolls.
You forget how relaxing just playing and cuddling can be. Good for you for loving up on that monkey!
Thanks MollyR
I just ordered Kojo the Croc for my nephew's 1st Birthday! He will love it.
I absolutely love your eyeglasses. Would you tell me who they're made by and model number? Thank you
Hi Meredith, I saw your monkey and had to get one for my grandaughter, I ordered her the Tortiose through www.amazon.com and will be getting it already on the 28th, they are so fast and always have just about everything I ever want.
I am sure she will love it too
Love ya
Joan K
Wisconsin
Hey Meredith.. I loved this blog with the pictures.. it was so cute.. I love blankets (especially soft ones).. being a teen who still sleeps with a blanket.. i know its cheezy.. but like you said its a security blanekt. Now I want one lol.... love the blog everyday! And your glasses rock!
Awwwwww!
You've got a cute little "friend"!!
And although I'm 43 and male, I'm a sucker for things cute and cuddly. I still have my favorite throw pillow from many, many years back! I love to hold it when I sleep or nap -- it IS very relaxing to hold and cuddle something that's soft and comfy!!!
Love ya!
Joe
Kentucky
Hi Meredith,
G'day from Australia! I really enjoy your blog - it's got a lot of personality!
I had a question for you - I was just wondering whether you were aware that this Friday (25th) in Australia is Anzac day and what the significance of it is?
Thanks,
Catherine
p.s. Any feedback from Matt on the Zoobie Pet?? - I bet that'd be interesting!!
Apparently, a monkey is a woman's best friend. Keeps you warm and doesn't talk back!
Meredith:
Even when you are hamming it up, you are just gorgeous, totally illuminated from within! I love that you're so upbeat, positive, optimistic and fun; I'm the same way (although, most runners I know share these traits).
I've been a fan since I was a kid, when I used to watch West 57th and 60 Minutes (I'll never forget your interview with Sean Connery - he was quite appalling!) with my dad, who was a news junkie. I'm so pleased you are on Today, yet another franchise my family enjoyed before the morning rush to school and work.
You are doing a great job!
Regards,
Vanessa
Berkeley, CA
Meredith,
You look great wearing glasses. As a 60 year old, plus a few, I'm always looking for stylish frames, having worn glasses sice third grade. Will you please share your frame information with your viewers? Today, Friday, April 25th, they are expecially cool.
Thanks so much,
Susan
I too LOVE your glasses. Please share the make and model with all of us!!!
hey Meredith.. loved this blog.. Its so cute because your showing us that were all kids at heart! I so want one of these things... there so cute! Love the blog.. got to watch the whole show today.. absoulutely love the Today show.. thats one of my dreams is to come to the show and meet you! Hope that will come true! Love ya.. from MN
sorry.. my comment added twice...
p.s. i agree with everyone else.. the glasses are soo cute!
Hi Meredith,
I like you with the glasses too but I see that you are going to have the lasik surgery so you won't have to wear contacts or glasses. My son had it done a little over a year ago and couldn't be happier that he had it done.
Good luck.
Love ya
Joan K.
Wisconsin
I LOVE your glasses. And I had a great laugh when you looked in the monitor and didn't recognize yourself the other morning. Too funny! Only because I think we've all done that before, either with a new haircut or glasses.
Meredith, you look fantastic in those glasses!
Meredith I LOVEEE the shoes Matt got for you this morning. I am very jealous. They are beautiful. I'm also a size 10 shoe and only 16 years old. Can you tango?
I hope your monkey doesn't get wet!
Hey Meredith!! I am for sure without a doubt 100% the biggest Millionaire fan that EVER existed! I have done so much with the show including making several trips to New York to sit in the audience all at my expense. When I was in High School I came up with a replica of the Millionaire question software and rebuilt a replica set including programming sound and light ques from the show and even had a real fastest finger question and ask the audience using the keypads I got when Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? Play It! Closed... Of course I hosted it!! We would have show several times a year during lunch shifts for the students to play for fun and we gave away prizes which we then even went a step further and made a version for Jrs. and Srs. to help them pass thier graduation tests by asking questions they might would see on them so we made learning fun and based on the passing rates of the graduation test..it seemeed to work I really do think that you have the DREAM JOB Meredith! Now don't get me wrong my job is wonderful I get to make people smile everyday as a cast member of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida but I would love your job! I want to have your job as host of Millionaire! Even if it was just for one day that would make all of my dreams come true and of course meeting you! I would love to be able to host a show and let you take on the hot seat for either charity or just for fun even if its never ever aired the experience would be enough I just want to sit in your seat!! I would even pay my own way back to New York to make it happen.. I would be a contestant on the show but unfortunately I am ineligible because I am a Disney Cast Member but that just makes me believe in my dreams of being able to host at least one show even stronger.. So I really don't know if you can do anything for me or not but at least a note back saying good luck or something would be just wonderful! Hope To hear from you soon Meredith!! Like i said i grew up in a little town in way north Georgia where most people never even leave town sp a lot of people didn't think Id go after my dreams but I hope to prove them all wrong.. I used to tell them I would host Millionaire? one day even if for one show how cool would it be to say I did it?? Thanks So Much!
Shane Meadow
I am not computer savy- so have no clue how to write you on the Today web site...I had to respond to what I heard while passing through my kitchen this morning.."Matt, you probably can't see Al and I." I'm so disappointed. I count on people like you, Joy Behar, Barbara Walters, and a few others to speak correctly and model proper English. It's the only time I've heard you use poor grammar. I'm disappointed.
Wish i was that monkey Meriedith.
Hi Meredith,
About 5.5 months ago you interviewed me on the plaza about my missing friend Kyle Fleischmann. We are approaching the 6 month mark and I am hear to beg you to let me even have 10 seconds of your time to say something about Kyle and to his family (especially his mother who is currently battling breast cancer in the midst of all this.) What a mother to celebrate this mothers day.
You all were so kind to me on the cold November 9th morning, and I tell everyone how amazing you, Matt, and Al were. No other news shows even responded to me, so you all have a special place in my heart.
Would this be possible? Even for a few seconds to mention his website? www.helpfindkyle.com
Thanks,
Stephanie Tiboris
steph.tiboris@gmail.com
Why joke about prostitution when it has ruined so many lives? Whether young women are lured into it or sold into it, many suffer physically and emotionally. Laughing about it sends a message that it's not so bad and increases the chances that impressionable girls will choose this route.
Ruth, Give me a break, don't you have "nothing" else to do but look for something to complain about. You should be happy that you aren't such a dummy like Meredtih and get on with your life.
Love ya Meredith and you aren't a dummy, I was just kidding for Ruth's sake.
Joan K.
Wisconsin
Hi Meredith,
I meant to tell you I got the Zoobie Pet that I ordered for my grandaughter, the green and purple turtle and she is adorable. Her name is Tama the Tortoise.
Joan K.
Wisconsin
Ruth....
I know what you mean. You'd expect someone who makes a living by speaking to model the type of speech our kids could emulate. My complaint is the way words ending in "ing" are pronounced.....runnin', cookin', talkin' etc. The Today Show should set a higher standard.
Angie, you have got to be kidding. You are taking a brief reference to the red light district as part of the clue for Matt's trip so that you can pretend that people are making fun of prostitution. You really are looking for something to complain about. Get a life.
Hi Meredith,
About 5.5 months ago you interviewed me on the plaza about my missing friend Kyle Fleischmann. We are approaching the 6 month mark and I am hear to beg you to let me even have 10 seconds of your time to say something about Kyle and to his family (especially his mother who is currently battling breast cancer in the midst of all this.) What a mother to celebrate this mothers day.
You all were so kind to me on the cold November 9th morning, and I tell everyone how amazing you, Matt, and Al were. No other news shows even responded to me, so you all have a special place in my heart.
Would this be possible? Even for a few seconds to mention his website? www.helpfindkyle.com
Thanks,
Stephanie Tiboris
steph.tiboris@gmail.com
Mere,
I've figured out where Matt will be on Thursday: Istanbul.
Bob
Mere,
On Friday I think Matt will be in Nepal. According to Nepali myths, the two eyes of Swoyambhunath represent peace and prosperity.
Bob
Hi Meredith,
First off, let me say my fiance and I watch you every morning and we are big fans. Secondly you're hilarious, I have to admit I recently saw a youtube video of you cursing and I laughed so hard. Third not to get off topic, but please pick my fiance' and I to be on the Today Show wedding. We would be so excited to be on. I know its a lot to ask, but I love her so much and I know it would mean the world to her, and me too of course. Anyways, here's our youtube video. If its not possible I understand, but thanks anyways and we'll keep watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN5svdW44_U
Your Zoobie is cute. I like that kind of thing also.
Meredith,
I am the CEO of Little Jet Set (www.littlejetset.com), the company that filled your Zoobie Pet order for Natalie and Amanda. I hope their kids are enjoying their new pets as much as you are enjoying Mashaka the Monkey.
Warmest regards,
Hana Wolf
I'm so glad Meredith loves her Zoobie Pet! I love them too and sell them at my online e-boutique, www.alexcaseybaby.com. Enter promo code "loveit" at checkout for a 10% discount.
I'm a big Today Show fan!
Great blog Meredith. I sell Zoobies and think they're just the best thing since bubble gum. So glad you love your monkey! Thank you for giving this wonderful new line such a great blurb. May you and your monkey keep each other warm and safe.
Zoobie pets are the one of the hottest toys for kids of all ages! What makes a better gift than a Zoobie Pet??? A PERSONALIZED Zoobie Pet! Everyone loves the extra personal touch of having their name on the back of the animal and the blanket inside. Check us out to learn more at www.punkinseed.com We love your blog Meredith! Keep up the great work!
I got one from www.alexcaseybaby.com and it is SO cute. Its this hippo one! My daughter and my cats love it! I am going to post some pics and do a blog on it shortly.
trisha
www.bambinaballerina.com
Merridith,
Do you realize that your show is hosting the "Favorite Mom Contest" that includes a catagory for "non moms?" And the definition of "non moms?" Step mothers, grandmas and mothers to ADOPTED children. It's bad enough that the contest negates the emotional committment of step mothers and grandmothers but to call women who have legally (as well as emotionally, spiritually, physically) committed to their children through adoption is reprehensible. I am under no illusion that such contests are created by a single person; how was it that not ONE individual recognized the ignorance and inaccuracy of such a title as "non-mom" mother?