EAR PIERCING, TAKE TWO...

Nicole's pierced ear finally closed up enough to get it re-done, which she has been saying from the beginning she did not want to do. Her options were to take the 2nd earring out and let that hole close, and she could get them pierced at some future date, OR, to just get it done! She bravely stepped foot into Sweet and Sassy Salon, but was a quivering mess of tears as soon as she sat in the piercing throne! We put her on my lap, but that wouldn't stop her tears. The store manager told her how brave she was (didn't work); tried to reason with her (didn't work); I tried to talk to her (didn't work); daddy was there and was encouraging (nope); brother Max told her how pretty she would look (still no) and even little Jack said "why you crying, 'Cole?" Inconsolable! Then the manager said "what if I give you a manicure after I pierce your ear?" Moment of silence to contemplate, bright smile and an "OK!" and not another tear was shed, even as the piercing happened! Nicole happily went off for her treatment, which included manicure, sparkly star on her cheek, and hair glitter on her pony tail! Her life was complete!

Where did this girly-girl come from, and who will be paying her bills as she grows up?? (And I have to add that the bill today was free; the salon did the right thing and acknowledged that her previous piercing was not properly placed! Now they will have a return customer---likely many many times in the future!)

TWO FRONT TEETH
The tooth fairy had the chance to pass through the house again! Nicole lost her second tooth---another bottom front tooth. Her big tooth had already been growing behind it for some time so when it actually fell out, there was no gap-toothed grin---it didn't look like she had a tooth missing at all!

Having had the chance to think ahead, the tricky tooth fairy left a gift instead of money this time, and Nicole was beside herself when she saw a pretty pink unicorn friend near her pillow in the morning! Sometimes on the weekends we let the kids sleep in each others' rooms because they love to be together, but Max almost kicked Nicole out of his room before bedtime, at the thought of a fairy flying through his room! I am sure his tune will change very quickly--we're approaching the time when his teeth are getting ready to drop...

FASHION SHOW

Nicole and her American Girl doll, Kylie, went to an American Girl Fashion Show last week!! This fashion show was a fund-raising event sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House, and took place at the University of Delaware campus.

Nicole was oohing and aahing over the clothes worn by the models and their dolls as they strutted the runway, and I was pretty impressed with the tasty lunch and the level of organization of the event! But most of all, I was impressed with the level of fun Nicole had with her new friend Olivia, who she had never met before despite the long friendship I've had with Olivia's mom! These giggling girls acted like they have been friends forever, and we are hoping that this was the start of another long friendship! (I won't even dwell on the only sour point of the day --- the amount of money I paid for the "hairstyle" Nicole chose for her doll. Two small braids down the front of her face, which I could have done myself for free! $8 and a week later, I am still a little bitter. I keep telling myself the money was going to a good cause, and that does make me feel slightly better!)

ELMO LIVE!

Jack is apparently a very discerning patron of the arts at his young age. He was only mildly entertained by his first trip to the "theater" to see Elmo on stage!

Why was my little man not over-the-moon when seeing Elmo and all his Sesame Street friends? Was he tired because he missed a nap? Not as excited because his big brother and sister weren't with him? Missing mommy because daddy took him to the show? Or could it be the worst-case scenario; is he outgrowing Elmo? It will be a sad day for me when Elmo is completely out of the picture in the household! Jack used to get so excited every time he saw Elmo---he would bring Elmo to his face for a kiss every chance he got! Sniff sniff! I am not ready for this big step away from babyhood, and I'm hoping that he was just a little overwhelmed by it all!

FLOWER GIRL

The Philadelphia Flower Show was trying to fool me into thinking that I was visiting Italy once again. I have to admit that more than one display did stop me in my tracks for a minute before I remembered that I was in a rather uninspired auditorium in the middle of Philly. The pictures I have don't do the show justice in the least, but the images do make me smile as I recall the beauty of the displays, and the beauty of my little companion's face as she became more excited at every corner we turned! She is a girly-girl with a love of flowers, and of all things girly and beautiful. Since she was as excited as she was at this show, I cannot wait until the time she is old enough to travel to the "real" Italy with me, so I can help her appreciate all that the world has to show her there!

MONSTER TRUCKS

Max and Kurt went to Max's first Hot Wheels Monster Jam show last month. They took the subway down to the stadiums from Center City Philly, and Max happily sucked on a lollipop as he anticipated his rare day out flying solo with dad.

They got to see big brightly-painted trucks, making loud noises as they jumped over and smashed up small cars.

Although he enjoyed it, Max was not overly impressed with the show. He may even have been a little over his head in the testosterone-filled stadium that day. His favorite part?

The big ol' bucket of popcorn daddy bought for him to munch on through the show!