a doll girl

There are so many ways that A. acts older than her age.  There are so many times that I have higher expectations of her than I should.  But, when it comes to dolls, she is a little girl.  Maybe it is that she can be a little mommy and the doll won't talk back.  I don't know the reason, but I know that I love it.  

After Christmas, we read Kirsten and Felicity American Girl books.  They were the 2 dolls that I had when I was a kid.  After we finished the books, She got to have my dolls.  She loved those 2 so much and much to my chagrin, played with them until their hair was in knots and their accessories were unorganized.  Oh the shame!  We decided that we would read the other books and then when we went to NY on her birthday trip, she could pick out her own doll.  Nice intentions, but, do you know how many historical dolls that there are now?  We made it through 1 more set of books and that is it.  

She picked Rebecca, the doll from 1914 that is from NY city.

When I called to schedule our reservations, the operator asked me if I was scheduling for a child's birthday or an adult birthday.  Seriously?  I love some American Girl, but, I repeat, seriously?  They also assured me that there was plenty of doll seating.  

Finally, the cake.  Unfortunately, the expectation of cake took over most of A.'s meal.  But, I think the anticipation was worth it!

That is one happy girl leaving with her new doll.  And, one happy momma to be able to finally get my dolls straight again.  Maybe birthday parties for adults isn't so strange after all.  

a dream come true

Day 2 in NY was a sharp contrast to day 1.  This little one was fascinated!  She has had an odd obsession with the Statue of Liberty since she was 2 years old.  She used to watch a power point presentation that I randomly found that just cycled pictures of The Lady Liberty to patriotic music.  I would put it on repeat and she was engaged for at least 15 minutes.  That was a long time in the life of my then 2 year old!

Waiting in anticipation.  As we got closer, she just kept saying, "WOW!"  and "She is beautiful!"

 While we were there, they hand out free walking tour guides to wear and listen.  Stacy and I listened to the first section then got bored once a woman in her raspy voice started speaking of emotion of her grandmother coming to Ellis Island. A.  on the other hand, was attentive to hers the entire trip.  She was answering the  multiple choice questions and lecturing the grown ups on our listening skills.

 Obviously, when in the company of the Statue of Liberty, you must stand like the Statue of Liberty.

And, when the creep man with a plastic face approaches you, you must dress have a picture taken. 

She decided that she wants to be the Statue of Liberty for Halloween.  Later, when we stopped for lunch, she was in the bathroom for a while.  I went to check on her and she was crying.  Ummm, in NY and crying in the bathroom.  That is scary.  Turns out the toilet paper ran out and she wanted to use the roll to make a torch for Halloween.  However, the tube got wet and it was ruined.  DISASTER!

Thankfully, chopsticks and a promise of a project at home in, lets say October, were a good distraction!  Disaster averted!

is it time yet?

A:  I've said it before, and I will say it again, "you are awesome. But, SLOW DOWN!"  This girl is always ready for the next thing.  On our first day in NY, A. was so excited.  She was either over stimulated or over excited.  I think a little of both.  She could not concentrate on what was actually happening, only what was coming next.  I don't think she even realized that the buildings were tall until the second day.  She had no idea that the doors when around until day 2.  

once she figure it out, she had to go around at least 2 times!

I mean, you are staring at a gian Ferris wheel inside of a building.  Enjoy the stinking moment!!  I was annoyed, Aunt. Stacy was annoyed, but A.  really wanted to know what time that we were going to Cinderella.  

 Then, we got into the beautiful theatre, and she asked me what was for dinner.  Oh. My. Gosh.  Just be content.  It was at that point that I almost went into a lecture of, "do you know how lucky you are to be here?  Can't you just enjoy the moment?"  Then, I again realized that this little person will eventually learn to cultivate that bit of discontentment and it will serve her well.  After all, if she is always happy with the way things are, how will she want to set new goals.  So, ok,  I took a deep breath and told her what was for dinner.  She calmed down and LOVED her first broadway experience.  Now, in addition to a farmer, pizza maker, paddle boarder, horseback rider, and field hockey player, she is also going to be a broadway star.

Go big with the goals or go home!

expectation of expectations

I want to start with a disclaimer:  this post is purely written because I know that someday, we will have a family vacation when our kids have kids.  Someday, they will be ready to leave to go wherever and feel nervous and worried about how it will go.  I want them to know that they are not alone!!! However, to my family, you did nothing but love and accept my kids and this expectation of expectations was all in my head.    

When we were packing to leave for this trip with 18 people on Brandon's side of the family and 4 on my side of the family, I was a bucket of nerves.  They were going to be the only kids in a home of 18 adults with 1 cousin down the street.  Would they behave?  Would they wake everyone up when they get up at 0 dark 30.  I spent the entire first day trying to keep them within my sight so that I could make sure they were respectful and polite.  When they weren't directly next to me, I was talking to people assuring them that they could correct them as needed and find me if they didn't feel comfortable.  Finally, my father in law said, "lets change your mindset from keeping them calm to letting us enjoy them."  huh, that's a different mindset.  Still, it took me until wed afternoon where I had a minor breakdown with B complaining that everyone else was getting to have the fun with them and I had to be only the disciplinarian, to calm myself down.  Hello, go have fun and stop worrying then....  

I mean, do those look like faces not having fun?

To my kids in the future:

Don't waste your first 3 days.  Let your kids enjoy you and enjoy everyone else.  They will make mistakes and we will still love them.  Everyone will still love them!!