An Original, Inside and Out

Anna has always had an opinion all her own (and usually very different from mine) on everything under the sun, especially regarding what she wears. Each night the girls ask me what the temperature will be the next day (could be snow could be sunny) so they can pick an outfit for the following day. Two nights ago I told them it would be nice and warm the next day so if they wanted to wear shorts that would be fine. A while later Anna practically flew up the stairs. She was beaming and bursting to show and tell us what she had come up with. Evidently the only suitable outfit she could find was a pair of white shorts and a white shirt. She knew that that combo would be too plain so she scavenged the basement for some fabric and tape and whipped up this little number:

I was kind of stunned and unsure of how to react. I have never read a single parenting book that mentioned what to do when your child tapes fabric to his/her clothes. She kept saying how excited she was to show her friends. On the one hand I felt like she did a pretty great job considering the resources available to her and I felt very proud of her creativity. On the other hand I was a little worried about the very reactions she was anticipating and the possibility she could be totally crushed. Oh and to be totally honest, the thought of what people were going to think of this child's mother did cross my mind. Brennan and I praised her creation and sent her floating down to bed. We then sort of wondered together what in the world we were supposed to do. After consulting each other, checking our own pride and calling my wise Mom and sister we decided to support her but gently prepare her for the possibility of mixed reviews. She was totally undeterred by the fact that it may not be a hit with everyone and proudly went to school in her original design the next morning.

She came home completely satisfied and said most people liked at least some of it and then asked where the rest of my fabric is. I congratulated her on her triumph and said that perhaps someday we could get some fabric and ribbon and other things and pretty up some shirts but once was enough for this week.

Whew, another parenting pop quiz over with, I just hope we passed. We love Anna!