We’ve always known Peanut would be the independent type. When she was around six months old, we met with a Chinese astrologer (and good friend of my mother in law). Connie studied Peanut’s date and time of birth, to check for the presence of certain elements (metal, water, wood, fire and earth); concluding that she would “have a mind of her own”, and “be difficult to control”. Eh. Of course, she did tell us that Peanut would be a “good girl”, and “we wouldn’t have to worry about her”. All this garnered from a few simple numbers; 3/14/09, and 6:36 am. It’s incredible, really.
And over time, her independence has become more and more apparent. She’s begun expressing a strong opinion over most everything; particularly her wardrobe. For instance, she now refuses to wear any jacket but a silver sleeveless vest from Old Navy. Not entirely appropriate on those days when the mercury drops below 50. But I’ve realized it’s not worth the argument. Recently, it’s become an issue with respect to hair. Having to endure the twenty seconds it takes to create a ponytail is just far too much. She struggles and shrieks while I force the elastic. It’s not pretty, but I generally win.
Then today, Peanut selected something different; a pair of wings gifted by my mother. She held them up, and requested my help. Glowing from the realization that she can actually say the word “butterfly”, I attached the wings to her shoulders. She skipped with glee to the mirror, admiring her appearance. And we left the house; mommy with her winged princess.
Perfectly appropriate, I guess. Because when else is it socially acceptable to wear a costume in public?
Ah. To be two.
I think there are some battles that just AREN’T worth the fight. How cute that she already has her mind made up about her wardrobe.
Boy the teen years are going to be FUN!
I struggle with my toddler’s independence too. She loves wearing her jacket all the time. Even when it is warm outside. It’s not really worth the battle so I let her wear it.
never fight the butterfly wings – truely a free spirit!!! fight the bathing suit when it is 17 degrees outside
So…very sweet! The wings were definitely a good choice!
What a great story, I can so relate to this. LP knows she can’t wear costumes on nursery school days and pretty much has some sort of costume, prop, wings or tutu on- all the other days of the week. Last summer she wouldn’t leave the house without her felt pirate hat (resulting in a very sweaty head), and now she’s always pleading with me to dress her baby brother up as a princess. I know I will miss this stage when she grows out of it, despite the arguments on days when she can’t choose her outfits!
I can picture peanut smiling with her sparkly wings on! Thanks for sharing
I seriously LOVE this story! She’s got a little personality which is part of her charm I’m sure.
This post reminds me of the movie “Big Daddy” with Adam Sandler where his kid wears a costume to school one day! Too cute!
I love stores about Peanut!
That was suppose to say STORIES about Peanut! LOL!
A girl after my own heart! There is nothing more magical than a set of wings!
Great story, Sarah.
Adorable…that one gave me goosebumps it’s so cute (and because I’m a big softy for cute kiddo stories).
Oh, to be that age again…!
I love this story. So sweet.
Love all your stories. Great photos of peanut too.
love the pic with peanut wearing her sparkly wings! and i always found in nyc people are so appreciative of a little one dressed-up, it’s all just another ny moment!
my daughter insisted until recently (she’s five) on wearing every single day one braid and one ponytail. i just did as i was told.
have a great weekend!
Little wings, how lovely. Ollie wore a bob the builder dressing gown everywhere for weeks, its so true isn’t it. You just have to pick your battles, a 3 year old can justify any outfit!!
Good-luck!
The independents ones are awesome, but it is tough on us parents!
Mitch
What a gorgeous photo! Nothing better than an independent and strong-minded girl. I wonder who she’ll be? Looking forward to finding out.
Nola is so similar to Peanut. She always has to have a say in her outfit. And shoes? She MUST choose her own shoes and put them on herself. Nola also loves to wear costumes. Like you said, when else can you wear a costume when it isn’t Halloween? When you are two!
Butterfly wings are the perfect symbols of the magic of being a child. They just don’t care what anyone else thinks–they use their imaginations freely (sometimes to parents’ frustration). I’m sure Peanut & her wings lit up the streets of NYC.
How sweet! The wings AND the silver vest! That’s really interesting about the day and time of her birth, and what it all means.
She is the cutest! Who wouldn’t want to leave the house in those great butterfly wings?!
Well, you are a New Yorker now, after all. Wings are the least I expect of you and Peanut.
(Love.)
bring it on! i wish I could get away with wearing wings (i have been known to wear a tiara when encouraged by my own daughter….).
nothing lifts the spirits like a fairy/princess/ballerina/angel out on the town!
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