Saturday, September 1, 2007

birthdays


When we returned home from our vacation, we were greeted by a stack of catalogs and magazines. I don't know about you, but I honestly love sitting on the front porch and spending the afternoon working my way through each and every one of those periodicals. It's sort of my "re-entry" tradition. Apparently, that passion has worn off on Noni.
This morning, Noni bounced down the stairs and announced that in exactly 2 months it would be her birthday (She is right), and on that day, everyone would be required to wear costumes. (For those of you doing the math, her birthday is Nov 1. The day after Halloween.)
For the past week, she has been pouring through the multitude of costume catalogs that were waiting for us upon our return home. Last year, she was a lady bug. She was really cute. She loved her costume and wore it for several weeks. Since that time, she has declared that she will no longer wear anything pink or "cute." She was only interested in something that was "cool" or black. Currently, she prefers to be naked. (For example, I asked all of the girls to get dressed this morning before I sat down to write this, and she declared that she WAS dressed. She is wearing panties and a sparkling hair clip. Oh dear.)
So this year, after lots and lots of research, she has chosen the slutty wench, the teen prostitute, the sexy mermaid or the nurse.
Oh, for goodness sake. Where does she get the idea that these are appropriate costumes for a 5 year old?! OK don't answer that. I have a very good idea where she is getting that idea - and no, it's not me.
We subscribe to PBS and actually watch it. We don't buy Barbies. I try really hard to buy age appropriate clothing, which is not easy. Where does this come from?!
In our neighborhood, we are already known as the "loud" family and the "family with the naked kids." What will everyone think if I send my 5 year out into the world dressed as a barmaid?
OK, don't answer that either. I know exactly what they will think, and it's not good.

4 comments:

. . . said...

So funny! I love the choices - slutty wench etc. I'm going to steer my girls clear of that catalog, though David may want to have a peek! Ha!

Iguana Banana said...

Oh my. I think the costume catalog was from The Oriental Trading Company - not something you'd expect to find such raunchy costumes in. Ack!
And can't you just see Noni choosing those costumes. HELP!

Sew Succulent said...

my sister was a "punk rocker" every year for Halloween from age 5 to about age 15. She's an actress now. Take from that what you will. ;-)

There was a really funny article last year in the NY Times about how for (usually much older) girls, Halloween is just an synonym for Dress Like Your Raunchy Alter Ego Day.

I have to admit, though, I'd like nothing more than to go as Velma Kelly from Chicago.

Rose said...

My oldest daughter wanted to be a pirate when she was around 11 or so. By the time we finished her costume she looked more like a barmaid (not that there's anything wrong with that...) Have fun!