I read an interesting article via a recent Bump.com post regarding Baby Einstein products and Disney's decision to begin compensating parents and other individuals who bought the products and didn't see an increase in their child's intelligence. Now I will openly admit that I have NEVER so much as glanced at a Baby Einstein product, much less pull out my hard earned money to buy something so I don't know much about the "claims" that are/were made by Disney (who now owns the Baby Einstein brand) regarding what the benefits are for watching or playing with the toys, DVDs, etc.
However, as a parent I don't much go by the insistence of others when it comes to them "telling" me how much smarter my child will become if they watch that particular DVD or read a particular book/story or play with a particular toy. I would like to think that the only thing that is happening is that consumers are, not necessarily brainwashed, but are led to believe that these products are extremely beneficial to their children and so they part with their hard earned money in the hopes that they themselves will in fact have an "Einstein" on their hands.
I'm not sure if I entirely believe that the Baby Einstein brand purposely made false claims as to how effective the products were, but again I've never really looked at those items before so I can't be completely objective about it. I know that personally, I wouldn't think that a DVD or a particular toy would increase my daughter or son's IQ. The bottom line is that we, as parents, only want what's in the best interest of our children. It's a shame that some companies prey on that desire to make a fast buck.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Saturday night
Today was a weird day of sorts. Didn't really do anything but then went out for about two hours and then came home. I'll explain.
Friday was a half day at work for me. Isabella went to school and my dad was with Anthony. About an hour before I left work for the day, I get a call that Isabella has a fever. Seriously? Could anything else possibly happen? My dad picked her up and then swung back to pick me up. We had lunch, did a little bit of shopping and then headed home so I could get ready. For what you ask? The Show Choir Reunion. For anyone that doesn't know what Show Choir is, think Glee.
Rick hadn't gotten home from work yet so Emile was going to pick me up. I decided against jeans, and instead wore a dress and heels. We both were nervous so we decided that if things got hairy, we'd leave. We went inside, got our name tags and headed in. It was like an immediate high school reunion! I saw lots of fellow members from my year and we launched right into conversation. We caught up regarding spouses, children, etc. It wasn't a stretch for any of us since we are all Facebook friends. We had a great night and by the end of it, they had us on the dance floor, trying in vain to remember the songs and music that we performed back in the day. It was extremely humorous!!
I got home after 11pm and the kids (who were with my father) were all tucked in for the night. Rick didn't get home until 3am. Poor thing! He slept in until the kids woke him up. I kept up with Anthony and while he only woke up once to eat, he was very vocal and wanted to play, so I kept him entertained so that Rick could continue sleeping, undisturbed. It's been raining on and off here. Didn't really inspire us to do much. I was supposed to go and help a friend paint his house, but Bella woke up with a fever, so that kept us in for most of the day. We did, however go to her school's Halloween party. Extremely chaotic for my liking, but she desperately wanted to go, so we obliged. Now at 10:30, she is all tucked in and passed out. I'm hoping to get to my friend Mark's house tomorrow to help with the painting. We'll see how that goes!
Friday was a half day at work for me. Isabella went to school and my dad was with Anthony. About an hour before I left work for the day, I get a call that Isabella has a fever. Seriously? Could anything else possibly happen? My dad picked her up and then swung back to pick me up. We had lunch, did a little bit of shopping and then headed home so I could get ready. For what you ask? The Show Choir Reunion. For anyone that doesn't know what Show Choir is, think Glee.
Rick hadn't gotten home from work yet so Emile was going to pick me up. I decided against jeans, and instead wore a dress and heels. We both were nervous so we decided that if things got hairy, we'd leave. We went inside, got our name tags and headed in. It was like an immediate high school reunion! I saw lots of fellow members from my year and we launched right into conversation. We caught up regarding spouses, children, etc. It wasn't a stretch for any of us since we are all Facebook friends. We had a great night and by the end of it, they had us on the dance floor, trying in vain to remember the songs and music that we performed back in the day. It was extremely humorous!!
I got home after 11pm and the kids (who were with my father) were all tucked in for the night. Rick didn't get home until 3am. Poor thing! He slept in until the kids woke him up. I kept up with Anthony and while he only woke up once to eat, he was very vocal and wanted to play, so I kept him entertained so that Rick could continue sleeping, undisturbed. It's been raining on and off here. Didn't really inspire us to do much. I was supposed to go and help a friend paint his house, but Bella woke up with a fever, so that kept us in for most of the day. We did, however go to her school's Halloween party. Extremely chaotic for my liking, but she desperately wanted to go, so we obliged. Now at 10:30, she is all tucked in and passed out. I'm hoping to get to my friend Mark's house tomorrow to help with the painting. We'll see how that goes!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wednesday - Week is half over
And so here we are...Wednesday is drawing to a close. Glee was fantastic! The more I watch the show, the more into it I get. LOL!
As the latter part of the week is a mere hour and a half away, I am truly looking forward to this coming weekend. While I really only have to get through Thursday (and not like I don't have an abundance of things to keep me busy at work), Friday is going to be a worldwind. I'm working until 12:30pm, going to an eye appt for my contacts, going to get my hair washed and straightened and then getting ready for the Show Choir Reunion. I have mixed feelings about this reunion. Part of me is really excited, but another part of me is a bit anxious about seeing people that I have seen, much less spoken to in the last 14 years. I mean, sure some of us are friends via Facebook, but truth be told...High School was a very unfriendly place the last few months that I was there. I guess we'll see what happens. It's not like I won't be able to leave if things start getting tense or heated.
Now, back to the kids. Anthony hit the three month mark last Friday and I finally got my monthly milestone stickers from pickysticky.com. I was apprehensive about ordering them, but they looked so cute in other photos I had seen that I had to get them! Yesterday, I also bought Anthony a Bumbo seat (in a really cute shade of blue) and I ordered a Moby wrap (which also came in yesterday)! Phew.
First, the Bumbo seat. I was lucky enough to be able to hit the Toys R' Us right up the highway from my work. I had logged onto to TRU the night before to verify that they had them. Lucky me, they did! I kept my fingers crossed that they would have the color that I wanted. I have been going back and forth about getting the Bumbo for weeks now and everytime I went to a Babies R' Us, I could never find a color other than green. So, armed with my coupons, I went off in search of the seat. I got it and in the color I wanted!!! On top of that, I saved $6.00!! Going back to work, I just kept thinking about getting home and having Anthony "play" with his new seat.
I got home and tried the Moby wrap. I didn't do to bad with it, but it will definitely take some more practice to get it right. He did LOVE the Bumbo seat and was so cute sitting up looking around! I think it is encouraging him to sit up more, even when not in it.
Isabella is doing well. I want to get her something special this weekend. I think that while she's excited that AJ is getting stuff that she also got as a baby, I can't help but think that she is a little bit jealous. I want to surprise her, so we'll see how that goes. Maybe a new game or a gift card to Build a Bear. Hmmm...decisions, decisions.
As the latter part of the week is a mere hour and a half away, I am truly looking forward to this coming weekend. While I really only have to get through Thursday (and not like I don't have an abundance of things to keep me busy at work), Friday is going to be a worldwind. I'm working until 12:30pm, going to an eye appt for my contacts, going to get my hair washed and straightened and then getting ready for the Show Choir Reunion. I have mixed feelings about this reunion. Part of me is really excited, but another part of me is a bit anxious about seeing people that I have seen, much less spoken to in the last 14 years. I mean, sure some of us are friends via Facebook, but truth be told...High School was a very unfriendly place the last few months that I was there. I guess we'll see what happens. It's not like I won't be able to leave if things start getting tense or heated.
Now, back to the kids. Anthony hit the three month mark last Friday and I finally got my monthly milestone stickers from pickysticky.com. I was apprehensive about ordering them, but they looked so cute in other photos I had seen that I had to get them! Yesterday, I also bought Anthony a Bumbo seat (in a really cute shade of blue) and I ordered a Moby wrap (which also came in yesterday)! Phew.
First, the Bumbo seat. I was lucky enough to be able to hit the Toys R' Us right up the highway from my work. I had logged onto to TRU the night before to verify that they had them. Lucky me, they did! I kept my fingers crossed that they would have the color that I wanted. I have been going back and forth about getting the Bumbo for weeks now and everytime I went to a Babies R' Us, I could never find a color other than green. So, armed with my coupons, I went off in search of the seat. I got it and in the color I wanted!!! On top of that, I saved $6.00!! Going back to work, I just kept thinking about getting home and having Anthony "play" with his new seat.
I got home and tried the Moby wrap. I didn't do to bad with it, but it will definitely take some more practice to get it right. He did LOVE the Bumbo seat and was so cute sitting up looking around! I think it is encouraging him to sit up more, even when not in it.
Isabella is doing well. I want to get her something special this weekend. I think that while she's excited that AJ is getting stuff that she also got as a baby, I can't help but think that she is a little bit jealous. I want to surprise her, so we'll see how that goes. Maybe a new game or a gift card to Build a Bear. Hmmm...decisions, decisions.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Doing it all myself???
I have to wonder if maintaining a relationship is what I want to keep doing?? I mean right now, I feel like I'm doing all the work. I wake up, get the kids ready, make sure Isabella has everything for school, send her off to the bus or drop her off, make sure the baby is dressed, leave him with my dad, go to work for 8+ hours, get home, do the kids laundry, do my own laundry, make sure permission slips are signed, homework is done, make sure appointments are scheduled, feed the kids dinner, bathe the kids, get them ready for bed and finally put them down. Now every day isn't the same but the vast majority of it does not chance. With every day that goes by, there are new challenges to face, new adventures that we are dealing with and to be frank, I feel like I'm doing this alone with the kids.
If it isn't the actual help, then it's the financial aspect. I sink every paycheck into clothes for the kids, food for the kids, bills for the house and my father's medication. What does he do with his money? Hell if I know. I think my biggest problem as of late is his ability to prioritize. He knew on Friday that Isabella had a dentist appointment scheduled for today. I asked him to please provide me with $50.00 so that I can put in the other half and pay for her visit today. Saturday came and went...and I was duped again into putting a $55.00 purchase on my card (oh I'll just give you the money later)...with no money for the appointment. Sunday, he woke up and jumped right into playing his video games. No spending time with his daughter. or with his infant son. He took some time to drop off his oldest son and to pick up lunch, but again neglected to pay back the $55.00 that was spent on Saturday or give me the $50.00 for his daughter's appointment. Instead, he went on to spend 12 hours (that's right, I said 12 HOURS) playing his video games. So this morning, he's rushing around getting ready to work, complaining that he is late when I asked him about the money. Of course at this point, he's annoyed. I told him that I need it when he gets home and he left in a huff.
Am I wrong for acting like this should be a partnership and we both need to be pitching in? This is ridiculous that any kind of talk, whether it be financial or not, turns into a pissing contest. I shouldn't have to pull teeth to get him to help me. I shouldn't be doing this by myself! In talking to my father, he feels that I'm getting used and to be honest, I feel the same way. I'm already doing this all by myself...if it continues to be like this, I'd rather be by myself as well. In a way, it feels like he wants all the perks of being a father and husband, but none of the responsibilities.
If it isn't the actual help, then it's the financial aspect. I sink every paycheck into clothes for the kids, food for the kids, bills for the house and my father's medication. What does he do with his money? Hell if I know. I think my biggest problem as of late is his ability to prioritize. He knew on Friday that Isabella had a dentist appointment scheduled for today. I asked him to please provide me with $50.00 so that I can put in the other half and pay for her visit today. Saturday came and went...and I was duped again into putting a $55.00 purchase on my card (oh I'll just give you the money later)...with no money for the appointment. Sunday, he woke up and jumped right into playing his video games. No spending time with his daughter. or with his infant son. He took some time to drop off his oldest son and to pick up lunch, but again neglected to pay back the $55.00 that was spent on Saturday or give me the $50.00 for his daughter's appointment. Instead, he went on to spend 12 hours (that's right, I said 12 HOURS) playing his video games. So this morning, he's rushing around getting ready to work, complaining that he is late when I asked him about the money. Of course at this point, he's annoyed. I told him that I need it when he gets home and he left in a huff.
Am I wrong for acting like this should be a partnership and we both need to be pitching in? This is ridiculous that any kind of talk, whether it be financial or not, turns into a pissing contest. I shouldn't have to pull teeth to get him to help me. I shouldn't be doing this by myself! In talking to my father, he feels that I'm getting used and to be honest, I feel the same way. I'm already doing this all by myself...if it continues to be like this, I'd rather be by myself as well. In a way, it feels like he wants all the perks of being a father and husband, but none of the responsibilities.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Being sick really sucks
Well, the week is close to over (only one more full work day and few hours left today) and the weekend is beckoning. I am MISERABLE!!! Well, not as miserable as I was. This week has thrown me for a loop. Monday was Columbus Day and Rick took the day off to spend time with Isabella. I, on the other hand, had to work...all day long. Rick took the truck and had to drop me off/pick me up. While I went to work, they enjoyed the day together and even went to Plaster Fun Time!!
Tuesday was a different story. Isabella woke up with a horrible cold and ended up having to stay home from school. My dad took care of both her and the baby while Rick and I went to work. She look so much better when we got home and she was excited about going back to school the next day. As Rick and I settled in to go to bed, I noticed that my throat felt a little sore. I tried to shrug it off, but the more I thought of it, the more I felt like the worst was yet to come.
Wednesday morning...OMG what a horrible morning. Rick and I both felt like crap and while I said good-bye to Bella as she headed off to school, I couldn't help but think of how fast I could get to work, do what I needed to do and come home. I had resigned myself to come home around 1:30pm but when all was said and done, I didn't head out of work until after 2:30. So much for relaxing for the rest of the day. Rick got home late that evening and picked up essentials (tissues, cough medicine, sinus medication, etc.). By the time I went to bed, I felt better, but still not able to breathe out of both nostrils...
Which leads us to today...Thursday. I woke up really groggy and had that sick taste in my mouth...EWWWW!!! I went right to the bathroom and brushed my teeth...twice. I decided a nice hot shower was in order and BOY did it feel great! I headed to work, determined to last the whole day...so far so good. I actually feel better and haven't taken anything since this morning. I'm hoping that the worst is now over since having a 3 month old and six year old does not leave a lot of time for self pampering! Hopefully tonight will be relaxing and uneventful and who knows, maybe my daughter will have surprised me and cleaned her room for a change???!!!
Tuesday was a different story. Isabella woke up with a horrible cold and ended up having to stay home from school. My dad took care of both her and the baby while Rick and I went to work. She look so much better when we got home and she was excited about going back to school the next day. As Rick and I settled in to go to bed, I noticed that my throat felt a little sore. I tried to shrug it off, but the more I thought of it, the more I felt like the worst was yet to come.
Wednesday morning...OMG what a horrible morning. Rick and I both felt like crap and while I said good-bye to Bella as she headed off to school, I couldn't help but think of how fast I could get to work, do what I needed to do and come home. I had resigned myself to come home around 1:30pm but when all was said and done, I didn't head out of work until after 2:30. So much for relaxing for the rest of the day. Rick got home late that evening and picked up essentials (tissues, cough medicine, sinus medication, etc.). By the time I went to bed, I felt better, but still not able to breathe out of both nostrils...
Which leads us to today...Thursday. I woke up really groggy and had that sick taste in my mouth...EWWWW!!! I went right to the bathroom and brushed my teeth...twice. I decided a nice hot shower was in order and BOY did it feel great! I headed to work, determined to last the whole day...so far so good. I actually feel better and haven't taken anything since this morning. I'm hoping that the worst is now over since having a 3 month old and six year old does not leave a lot of time for self pampering! Hopefully tonight will be relaxing and uneventful and who knows, maybe my daughter will have surprised me and cleaned her room for a change???!!!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday Already??
Will the person that took my weekend, kindly return it to me???
I can't believe that the work week has begun again. It's Columbus Day today. Isabella is off from school and Rick took the day off to spend time with the kids. Me? I am at work. I was finally able to find/buy Anthony's costume this weekend! He makes the cutest little turkey. Weekend went by quickly, but I had fun anyway.
Saturday started with the aftermath of Rick having to work late on Friday night. He was exhausted. While he slept, I took the kids and my dad to Framingham/Natick to do some shopping. I did a lot of damage at Babies R' Us (where I found and bought AJ's costume)...about $160.00 worth of damage! I went and met my dad at the mall and we had a great lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. I had my first taste of Red Velvet Cake and it was DELICIOUS! I walked around the mall a bit with Bella before stopping in at Coach (sadly not for me) to buy a gift for my sister's birthday. After several hours of walking and shopping, we headed for home.
Saturday night, I took Isabella to my sister's for a sleep over with her cousin, Aiden. He has bunk beds and Isabella was so excited to be there! I spend a few hours over her house before saying good bye and heading home. That night, it was eerily quiet with Isabella not there!
Sunday was a quiet start. Rick and I got dressed and headed out (leaving AJ at home with my dad) to help my sister and pick up our daughter. We went to the Halloween superstore (didn't find anything) and after a few hours, we headed home. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and catching up on laundry, dishes, playing with the kids, etc. I also managed to get AJ into his Halloween costume and get a few pictures!!!
I can't believe that the work week has begun again. It's Columbus Day today. Isabella is off from school and Rick took the day off to spend time with the kids. Me? I am at work. I was finally able to find/buy Anthony's costume this weekend! He makes the cutest little turkey. Weekend went by quickly, but I had fun anyway.
Saturday started with the aftermath of Rick having to work late on Friday night. He was exhausted. While he slept, I took the kids and my dad to Framingham/Natick to do some shopping. I did a lot of damage at Babies R' Us (where I found and bought AJ's costume)...about $160.00 worth of damage! I went and met my dad at the mall and we had a great lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. I had my first taste of Red Velvet Cake and it was DELICIOUS! I walked around the mall a bit with Bella before stopping in at Coach (sadly not for me) to buy a gift for my sister's birthday. After several hours of walking and shopping, we headed for home.
Saturday night, I took Isabella to my sister's for a sleep over with her cousin, Aiden. He has bunk beds and Isabella was so excited to be there! I spend a few hours over her house before saying good bye and heading home. That night, it was eerily quiet with Isabella not there!
Sunday was a quiet start. Rick and I got dressed and headed out (leaving AJ at home with my dad) to help my sister and pick up our daughter. We went to the Halloween superstore (didn't find anything) and after a few hours, we headed home. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and catching up on laundry, dishes, playing with the kids, etc. I also managed to get AJ into his Halloween costume and get a few pictures!!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Relaxing silence
It's hard to believe that at this hour, my little one is down for the night, Isabella is already tucked in bed and I'm sitting here, writing this. I'm enjoying this mini break before heading off to bed myself. I've been looking at costumes again for AJ and I think I found one that I really like. It's a spider costume and no, not like spider. An actual baby spider. It's really cute. Hopefully I get pics up soon!
For now, I will continue to play on the web until I can't keep my eyes open. Tomorrow I have several things to do. Hopefully AJ will cooperate and sleep most of the night!
For now, I will continue to play on the web until I can't keep my eyes open. Tomorrow I have several things to do. Hopefully AJ will cooperate and sleep most of the night!
The weekend is upon us...Now what?
Well another work week is drawing to a close and I can't believe that the first full week of October is already behind us. It's funny, I had been looking forward to last weekend so much that it seemed to FLY by! (Rick and I took Isabella to see Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D).
This weekend, we don't have much planned. I need to do my bi-weekly pilgrimage to Babies R' Us for formula, diapers, diaper pail refills, etc. I am hoping to find a Halloween Costume for my little one. I'd like to have pictures of the kids done at Picture People next week. If I have time (not like my schedule is jam packed with things to do or anything) I'll hit Lowe's and/or Home Depot to look at carpet for the bedrooms. My youngest is almost 3 months old and we are STILL not finished with the kids' bedroom. Being out on Maternity Leave and only getting partial pay really strapped us. Yet another reason I'm glad to be back at work!
I'm trying to come up with fun things to do with Bella. I don't like her getting bored and I know the thought of cleaning her room all weekend is not going to drum up excitement...at least not on her part. The prospect of seeing her floor would definitely brighten my day though! I think we'll do Taco Night on Saturday. I LOVE having taco night.
I got the chance to really talk to the hubs about money and vacation, etc. I think it finally sunk in that he needs to prioritize better. It's a good thing too, because I felt like I was doing all of the parenting and shouldering all the responsibility myself. While I understand that he has a lot on his mind with his oldest son (from a previous relationship), he needs to understand that he does have a family that needs some of his attention as well. I definitely think he is stating to "get it." He's excited for the vacation in January...Only another 100 days to go people. Disney is in our sights.
On another note, Thanksgiving in next month (along with my birthday!) and I'm excited about this as well. Last year, I hadn't yet found out I was pregnant and I was acting a bit looney tunes during those few days off. My poor family! I'm really looking forward to the food and spending time with family this year.
And so my 3rd week back from Maternity Leave draws to a close and I am looking forward to going home and seeing my kids. I miss them terribly while at work, but I think that's a good thing. I really appreciate all the time that I get with them when I finally do get to see them. While we don't have anything exciting planned yet for the next two days, I think I like it better when we fly by the seat of our pants!
This weekend, we don't have much planned. I need to do my bi-weekly pilgrimage to Babies R' Us for formula, diapers, diaper pail refills, etc. I am hoping to find a Halloween Costume for my little one. I'd like to have pictures of the kids done at Picture People next week. If I have time (not like my schedule is jam packed with things to do or anything) I'll hit Lowe's and/or Home Depot to look at carpet for the bedrooms. My youngest is almost 3 months old and we are STILL not finished with the kids' bedroom. Being out on Maternity Leave and only getting partial pay really strapped us. Yet another reason I'm glad to be back at work!
I'm trying to come up with fun things to do with Bella. I don't like her getting bored and I know the thought of cleaning her room all weekend is not going to drum up excitement...at least not on her part. The prospect of seeing her floor would definitely brighten my day though! I think we'll do Taco Night on Saturday. I LOVE having taco night.
I got the chance to really talk to the hubs about money and vacation, etc. I think it finally sunk in that he needs to prioritize better. It's a good thing too, because I felt like I was doing all of the parenting and shouldering all the responsibility myself. While I understand that he has a lot on his mind with his oldest son (from a previous relationship), he needs to understand that he does have a family that needs some of his attention as well. I definitely think he is stating to "get it." He's excited for the vacation in January...Only another 100 days to go people. Disney is in our sights.
On another note, Thanksgiving in next month (along with my birthday!) and I'm excited about this as well. Last year, I hadn't yet found out I was pregnant and I was acting a bit looney tunes during those few days off. My poor family! I'm really looking forward to the food and spending time with family this year.
And so my 3rd week back from Maternity Leave draws to a close and I am looking forward to going home and seeing my kids. I miss them terribly while at work, but I think that's a good thing. I really appreciate all the time that I get with them when I finally do get to see them. While we don't have anything exciting planned yet for the next two days, I think I like it better when we fly by the seat of our pants!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Change of Disney Plans
So I finally got around to changing the family vacation plans. We are finally set to leave on January 19th, 2010 for a full week of fun at Disney. Woo Hoo! I have been waiting to go back since November of 08. Incidentally, that was about a week before I found out I was pregnant with AJ. I can't believe it's been almost a year!
We are leaving Boston via Logan at about 7am and flying into MCO and we should be at Disney well before noon. I think I'm going to swear Rick and my father to secrecy. I won't let Bella know where we are going until we head to the airport that morning. I feel bad that we weren't able to spend her 6th birthday in Disney, but what better way to make up for it then by surprising her!? It's still another three months away, but I can't WAIT!!!
We are leaving Boston via Logan at about 7am and flying into MCO and we should be at Disney well before noon. I think I'm going to swear Rick and my father to secrecy. I won't let Bella know where we are going until we head to the airport that morning. I feel bad that we weren't able to spend her 6th birthday in Disney, but what better way to make up for it then by surprising her!? It's still another three months away, but I can't WAIT!!!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Attempting a new hobby this weekend
I've decided to take a break from sewing, card making, frame making and scrapbooking. I have developed a fascination with crochet work & knitting. I am going to see what I can create on my own before delving into "how-to" videos on the net and books at Jo-Ann Fabrics and AC Moore. I'm loving the crochet hats and scarves I see everywhere and would LOVE to make them for Bella and Anthony. Who knows? Maybe at some point, I'll be able to crochet/knit a sweater or cardigan for my baby. Then again, I may suck and never want to look at a crochet hook or knitting needle every again!
This also gives me another excuse to go to AC Moore, Michael's and Jo-Ann's this weekend...I'm sure the hubby with LOVE that!!
This also gives me another excuse to go to AC Moore, Michael's and Jo-Ann's this weekend...I'm sure the hubby with LOVE that!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
October & the hunt for Bella's Halloween Costume
And so it began. A few weeks before school started (when the evil Retail Empire decided it was fine time to start rolling out the Halloween candy and what not), Isabella had begun thinking about her costume. She decided against being Cinderella again this year (of course she would...she had worn the costume that I had bought in May of 2008 at the Bibbibidi Bobbidi Boutique in WDW at LEAST 1/2 a dozen times...I think she figured that it more than made up for the $60+ that I paid for it!!!) and so the search began.
We had looked at several different websites, several different stores and came up with a few ideas, but in the end she decided that she would stick with being a Disney princess. However this time, she did not want the beautiful gown that Belle wore. She didn't like the Princess Jasmine costume, nor did she want to wear the Sleeping Beauty dress. No way. Why go with that, when she can dress as a mermaid. That's right! She wants to dress up as Ariel from the Little Mermaid. In coming to this decision, it was decided that a trip to the Disney Store was necessary in order to closer inspect my 6 year old's decision.
Now normally I try not to criticize her choices and I always like for her to express herself and be able to choose things for herself, but I would be lying if I said that I liked this costume. I find nothing "Ariel" about this bright purple and green tube dress with matching shoes. In fact, the ONLY thing that I liked about this costume (aside from the matching shoes and that's only because they light up) is the price tag. That's right people, I said it. Now normally, this dress is close to $50, but because we're getting closer to Halloween, I was able to get it for under $30...however then you factor in the cost of the shoes and the wand and I ended up paying just slightly under the original cost of the costume itself. Still not a bad deal!
So, upon our return home from the costume shopping trip on Saturday, I had her try on the costume (which she did in the store, but OVER her clothing as they don't have fitting rooms in said Disney Store), and it was then that I noticed that the costume is EXTREMELY impractical. Not only is it made of a stretchy, scratchy, metallic looking fabric, but it looks difficult to walk in from the tulle "fin" skirt at the bottom near the feet/ankles. If Isabella doesn't complain about the fact that she can barely walk because of slim the lower part of the costume is, then she'll be complaining about the fact that she's stepping on the tulle bottom! Oy vay!
I asked her several times if it was what she wanted, however I was careful so not to make her feel like I was second guessing her decision. She said she liked her costume and that was that. She went to bed and all was well. But that was short lived.
Sunday morning was quiet and we were heading out to see Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3d when Bella made a startling decision. She wanted a different costume. What??? So after the double feature, we went back to the mall (Ariel costume in hand) to look for an exchange. We looked at the different princess costumes, debated over shoes, accessories, toyed with the idea of going as Tinkerbell or one of the other fairies before she came to a decision. She wanted to stick with the Ariel costume. I can't say that I wasn't disappointed or even a bit annoyed at having wasted over 35 minutes looking at the same costumes we had gone through the day before, but she had made up her mind and that was that. I did make it clear to her that going forward, there would be no more changing of minds. She had her costume and that was what she was wearing. She smiled and told me that she happy with her choice.
Honestly, I'm glad she's happy with her choice. The important thing is that it was her choice. While I may still make the majority of decisions for her (clothing, shoes, after school programs, etc), I like that I give her the ability to make her own from time to time. I may not love the costume, but I love her. If the costume makes her happy, then I will smile and take pictures and not say a word...I'll just make sure to scrapbook the photos and be sure to show them to her many many years from now...like when HER daughter picks out a strange costume!
And now the search is on for Anthony's costume. This should be relatively easy so long as I find one that I like. I guess I should be thankful that he doesn't speak yet and won't be disagreeing with me!!!
We had looked at several different websites, several different stores and came up with a few ideas, but in the end she decided that she would stick with being a Disney princess. However this time, she did not want the beautiful gown that Belle wore. She didn't like the Princess Jasmine costume, nor did she want to wear the Sleeping Beauty dress. No way. Why go with that, when she can dress as a mermaid. That's right! She wants to dress up as Ariel from the Little Mermaid. In coming to this decision, it was decided that a trip to the Disney Store was necessary in order to closer inspect my 6 year old's decision.
Now normally I try not to criticize her choices and I always like for her to express herself and be able to choose things for herself, but I would be lying if I said that I liked this costume. I find nothing "Ariel" about this bright purple and green tube dress with matching shoes. In fact, the ONLY thing that I liked about this costume (aside from the matching shoes and that's only because they light up) is the price tag. That's right people, I said it. Now normally, this dress is close to $50, but because we're getting closer to Halloween, I was able to get it for under $30...however then you factor in the cost of the shoes and the wand and I ended up paying just slightly under the original cost of the costume itself. Still not a bad deal!
So, upon our return home from the costume shopping trip on Saturday, I had her try on the costume (which she did in the store, but OVER her clothing as they don't have fitting rooms in said Disney Store), and it was then that I noticed that the costume is EXTREMELY impractical. Not only is it made of a stretchy, scratchy, metallic looking fabric, but it looks difficult to walk in from the tulle "fin" skirt at the bottom near the feet/ankles. If Isabella doesn't complain about the fact that she can barely walk because of slim the lower part of the costume is, then she'll be complaining about the fact that she's stepping on the tulle bottom! Oy vay!
I asked her several times if it was what she wanted, however I was careful so not to make her feel like I was second guessing her decision. She said she liked her costume and that was that. She went to bed and all was well. But that was short lived.
Sunday morning was quiet and we were heading out to see Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3d when Bella made a startling decision. She wanted a different costume. What??? So after the double feature, we went back to the mall (Ariel costume in hand) to look for an exchange. We looked at the different princess costumes, debated over shoes, accessories, toyed with the idea of going as Tinkerbell or one of the other fairies before she came to a decision. She wanted to stick with the Ariel costume. I can't say that I wasn't disappointed or even a bit annoyed at having wasted over 35 minutes looking at the same costumes we had gone through the day before, but she had made up her mind and that was that. I did make it clear to her that going forward, there would be no more changing of minds. She had her costume and that was what she was wearing. She smiled and told me that she happy with her choice.
Honestly, I'm glad she's happy with her choice. The important thing is that it was her choice. While I may still make the majority of decisions for her (clothing, shoes, after school programs, etc), I like that I give her the ability to make her own from time to time. I may not love the costume, but I love her. If the costume makes her happy, then I will smile and take pictures and not say a word...I'll just make sure to scrapbook the photos and be sure to show them to her many many years from now...like when HER daughter picks out a strange costume!
And now the search is on for Anthony's costume. This should be relatively easy so long as I find one that I like. I guess I should be thankful that he doesn't speak yet and won't be disagreeing with me!!!
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