Dressing A Daughter

Things have been a bit crazy for us this past well, couple of years. What with my change of career and going back to school, and Woody's joining of the Army. Finances have been tight, schedules have been hectic. Vacation's been scarce (Waaaah! Enough about that). I used to have money to buy not just practical outfits from Target and Old Navy, which are cute but let's face it, a bit uninspired, to more stylish baby clothes from Baby Gap, Ralph Lauren, Lucky Kid, and Baby Dior (kidding about Dior). See, Mina for the fist 1.5 year of her life had no shortage of cute outfits. We had clothes galore from my baby shower, from gifts for her first birthday given by relatives and friends. We had a huge birthday party for her 1st one so that comes as no surprise.

Behold, an absence of pink!










Her second was a bit more understated. We got mostly cash. Her cute outfits are dwindling. Most of the stuff in her closet are proudly marked Target and Old Navy. Both stores like a lot of pink and I vowed to NOT dress her all pink before I had her. I tell you, it's hard!

I've been delegating her care to her Dad a lot more these days, since I'm so busy with school. Once he's gone, care will go to my Mom most likely, who has no problems with pink. But I was inspired lately by Sweet Fine Day's Jenna, who dresses her kids in stylish, low on pink fashion. I love it. I must admit I whipped out the credit card and just dropped a little over a hundred dollars on 5 pieces of clothes and shoes for the little one over at Crewcuts and yes, Baby Gap! This after already dropping some cash for more (pink!) stuff at Target the other day.

No, I didn't buy her Stella McCartney's new collection for babyGap (Lord, they are expensive!). I noticed most of the stuff I ended up buying were still in the pink family, but they call it guava, and light flamingo. I bought her pink shoes too. Ok, so that was a fail in no pink. But they were the only cute things on sale. Crewcuts isn't in the vicinity of Old Navy pricing.

Anyway, what's my point? My point is, I am overly concerned with how my daughter dresses. I secretly gloat that she is one of the best-dressed kid in her class. I love, love, love that she's a girl. Cause no matter how many cutesy things they try to come up for boys, it's just not as fun. For example, look at this cute picture:



I think that picture says it all. She insisted on adding the flower and tutu to the outfit by the way.

Mina, when you're older and read this, I hope you appreciate how cutely I tried to dress you.

Hi Mina Bina

Here's mommy popping in for a quick update again.

Your stats:
Weight: stuck at 28 lbs. You've gained like 4 oz. in 1 year.
Height: 3 ft! According to the height predictors you should be at least 5'6 as an adult. We'll see.
Mood: most of the time, very contrary but tonight, extremely cooperative, cute, charming. We were at a Pho restaurant with your Dad and you charmed the pants off everyone. Why we didn't get a free meal out of it I'll never know (hehe)
Achievements: You made a stack out of 4 thin cylindrical sticks! Very impressive. You recognize and name the letters M and O. You know your colors except you don't have brown, gray and purple down yet. Your favorite song is Shakira's She-Wolf. Don't ask me why. You like to play ring around the rosy.

The other day you made a swipe at me as if to hit me, but you missed on purpose. Then you asked "Are you happy, Mommy? I didn't hit you!" Hahah! Classic.

We love you. Till the next update.

Where Have I Been?

Guess I've been guilty living life, twittering, facebooking to a lesser degree, going back to school, writing, studying, watching Mad Men, etc. etc.

But this was intended for Mina to have a look-back on her childhood years and get a sense of her accomplishments and milestones. Mommy's doing a poor job baby.

First, you're in the full throes of your terrible two's. You've yet to throw a full-blown tantrum, I think except once. But you'll say the sky isn't red if I say it is, and you'll say it is if I say it wasn't. You want everything opposite of what everyone else says, and you are very vocal about it. You have me tearing my hair out frankly...Where'd my sweet girl go?

As for actual milestones, you're either 2'9 or 2'11 as of right now. Two different measuring devices give me two different readings. You're 27.6 lbs. You're just growing taller and not gaining weight as fast...Mommy's a bit worried about that but you're in the normal range so I guess that's ok.

I start potty-training you tomorrow, with the help of the entire household (so I hope). Here goes nothing....

Mina Turns Two and I Brag

Hey if there's a time in a Mom's life she can brag about her child, it has to be around her child's birthday. I've mentioned before how adorable she is right? Right?

She is so charming, she charms the pants off people. In fact, I've had to make several trips to Levi's to buy myself and other people pants that she's charmed off, that's how charming she is.

She has the best eyes. Large and dark, and long-lashed.

She has the prettiest curls. I can literally stare at them for hours. I twirl the ends of her hair on my forefinger and they turn into little ringlets. Little ringlets that stay until she jumps up and down and bounces the heck out of them.

When she was 18 mos. old I found this article about gifted children (not that I was searching for articles like that, who me?). One of the traits of gifted children is apparently advanced vocabulary. By 18 mos. Mina was speaking in 2-3 word sentences. I mean, pretty advanced is what I thought. Apparently, a vocabulary list of 100 before age 2 is almost always a sign of giftedness. I stopped at 100 even though she knew even more words than that. I was tickled pink.

Now at almost two (Aug. 15th!) I can pretty much hold a conversation with Mina. We negotiate, she tells me stories, she tells me what she's thinking. It's pretty amazing.

We are having a little get-together with just family this Saturday for her official birthday. Next weekend we are going to Disneyland! I can't wait!

She starts preschool on Tuesday. Yes, preschool. This is one baby that is really craving for companionship and more challenge, and I hope preschool gives it to her. I feel really good about the idea of preschool right now, but a part of me can't believe she's already going.

My baby is growing up!

Mina, know that you are beloved, adored, and yes, even spoiled. We are proud of you. Most of all, know we are all trying to do our best by you.

Something to Post

I thought I would post something new here. What else can I say except more glowing things about you? You're a complete sunshine that overwhelms any grays that may descend on our household from time to time, and we all appreciate you for it.

You'll be two in a month, and I honestly can't believe it. I'm excited that you're growing up, but mourn the loss of my "baby". You'll always be my baby girl, and just get used to the idea, but I miss the baby babble, the chubbiness, the roundness, the creases in your arms from too much fat. I miss your wide-eyed helplessness and trust as you looked at me to just know what you needed, without you having to say anything. Now, you are very vocal, and clear in your speech to ever be misunderstood.

You'll be starting preschool next month. I decided to put you in preschool so early because you clearly love other kids, love to play and socialize, and I don't think you get enough of it. You have no cousins and, obviously, no siblings. You can follow commands pretty well, and are really good at sharing...I think you will love preschool. Since it's only 2 days a week, half days, it's a reasonable starting point. Anyway, I will miss you terribly. You will have to tell me everything you learn. :) Of course, it's about a mile from your Mama's place, so it's really more than ideal.