Saturday, November 17, 2007

standard princess features

I am thankful that Yaya has found a new love - the pretty princess dress.
Ah, now simmer down there, ladies. Read on before you judge. This is not about creating the perfect little lady...

There isn't one favorite princess dress yet, but it must have a few standard princess features:
A bow that ties in the back.
A puffy skirt, preferably floor length.
Shiny fabric.
Sparkles.

It doesn't matter if this dress is clean. It doesn't matter if it is a hand-me-down. What does matter is this: It must fit over whatever outfit Yaya is wearing at the time. (ie, pajamas, tights and a turtleneck, swimming suit, puffer coat...)

Given the chance, Yaya will add onto this gorgeous outfit with a pair of sparkly shoes as well as lots and lots of make-up. She loves to decorate her body and face with color. It's not a girly thing, it's a color thing.

Last night, Yaya climbed into the bottom bunk of the bed that she shares with Noni. She was wearing her zip-up, fuzzy, footed pajamas. Over which she wore, an amethist satin and black velvet holiday dress complete with beaded cumberbun/sash. On her tiny toddler feet, she crammed her silver sparkly shoes - over the footed jammies. She wore her hair piled high on her head, with several silver clips randomly squashed in her hair. She had applied a fresh coat of make-up - purple powder on her lips, glittery lip gloss on her cheeks and eyes and bright blue powder accenting her delicate eyebrows. As she fell asleep, I gazed over at her sweaty little self and fell in love all over again.

This morning, she refused to change clothes. She is child #3, and I have learned to pick my battles. This is not a fight I choose, so she is still wearing this whole ensemble... through playdough and oatmeal and applesauce and peter honey. Her clips are matted and her purple powdered lips are sticky and she is gorgeous!

I am thankful that my Yaya has not been met with the disdainful look that causes her self-doubt. I am thankful that she feels beautiful all on her own, she does not rely on the comments or approving looks of others. I am thankful that she boldly goes out into this world wearing something that she loves and feels so good in that she simply has to dance. And I am thankful to be able to dance that happy dance with her.


Yaya and mommy with beautiful lavender lips.








This is what Yaya thinks is appropriate travel attire. I understand it, somehow.

9 comments:

kalurah said...

oh! I won't leave the house without my goggles.
;)

Anonymous said...

First, I'm so glad my boys don't care what they wear, because I'm not as good as you.

Second, you are so good! I am inspired by your easygoing-ness. After all, they're only little once, right?

Caroline C. Bingham said...

That sounds like my daughter! I let her be a princess all she wants. I hardly get to dress up anymore, and when I do, I love it. Wear those sparkly's as long as you can!

Rose said...

She reminds me of my youngest daughter. M#2 would wear her pink hat with a huge pom-pom on the side inside the house a lot, as well as some incredibly interesting ensemble choices. She really loved flipping the seasons; bathing suits in the winter, winter hats in the summer. I loved her free-spririt and she now expresses that by wearing HUGE gemstone rings and pearls with her jeans. Good for you for recognizing that this is a great thing she's doing, not something that needs "correcting".

Patti said...

i gotta get me some of those spiffy driving goggles...

. . . said...

What a fashionista! She's way ahead of the game. We'll probably be seeing huge purple specs on next season's runway. She's truly a girl after my own heart. And a laid-back-about-costumes-in-public mama too! I love seeing kids out and about - at the grocery store, post office, etc. - with their wings, capes, slippers and more!

Chris and Rikki said...

This reminds me of Olivia and Emma playing at your old house. They were cats and Olivia had on ears and a cat tail....and nothing else....all morning. It was too funny!

emilyruth said...

so super cute!

flutter said...

I think I might be completely in love with her. What a scream!