It's JUST a headband, get over yourself

I am at a loss.

Truly.

I have never in my life heard of a child refusing to dress up for Halloween. I know all about the "terrible twos" (and "heinous threes" I've recently learned of) but even in the most ridiculous of tantrum stories I don't ever recall hearing that the idea of dressing up to get candy was cause for a meltdown.

This kid is a rare breed. She is newly two. She is very strong willed, stubborn, bold, what have you. She's a gal who knows what she wants... and what she doesn't. I'm happy with that on a normal basis, it's nice that she's so aware of her ability to control certain aspects of her life. It's a daily struggle, no doubt, but it's a positive one (or so I think). However, over the past few weeks I've been teaching Scarlett about having fun on Halloween. After reading books and watching little cartoons to help prove my point she finally seemed on board with wearing a costume. She began telling strangers that she was going to be Mickey. News to me. I was ecstatic to create my little Punky Brewster - oh well. So I semi-willingly hunted around for a Mickey Mouse costume. Since it's kind of last minute, I came up short.

I know that there is a 97% chance that Scarlett will refuse her costume. Rather than spending a fortune ordering some elaborate plush nightmare online I decided to throw something together from her closet that we can use in a pinch if she changes her mind. Oh, that's right, it's pretty lame. But let's face it - the mouse isn't exactly a complex character - a little red, a little black (sounds like my high school nights) and some ears. Presto.

There it is. In all its homemade glory. To my surprise, Scarlett was very excited when she saw this monstrosity. I thought WOW! She's actually going to wear this! Yeah, no. She's not. After several horrifying attempts to put these simple items (pants, socks and a jacket) on her - I decided we will wait until next year to have Halloween fun. You cannot even imagine the fireworks when I bring that headband within seven feet of her. It's absolutely mind-blowing.

So... I've dismantled the pieces, put them back in her drawers and let the topic drop. Everyday Scarlett insists that she wants to wear a costume. I call bullshit.

I can't press the issue because it's really not a big deal. So she doesn't want to look like something she's not (for an hour). She doesn't need bags of candy - if she wanted candy she'd have sat on her potty chair by now. I'm learning to pick my battles. It is so not worth seeing her through another tantrum just to TRY to put a headband on her thick little head. So here's my solution...

Happy Halloween 2013!!!

spinnnn spinnnn...

As my favorite time of year approaches (eeeeek!!) I'm sitting here knotting up into a ball of stress. Why? Because I don't know what color dishes to use at Scarlett's 2nd birthday party or what costume to buy her for Halloween. Yes, really. 

That is my M.O. right there. I love love love thinking about all the fun that comes with the Fall and Winter season yet I can't get my mind to shut the hell up for twenty-five seconds. (Here is where Gregg would say, Because you're insane. And he means that in the nicest way possible). True, I cannot stop my mind from spinning - False, that I am actually insane. I am, however, a super obsess-or infused with fanatic and sprinkled with perfectionist. And I will gladly make fun of myself for being all of these things. 

I realize nobody is going to give a flying crap that the cupcake toppers I made aren't my favorite colors or that the circles are too big. I know that people are going to use their dishes to pile food on and their napkins to wipe their mouths and they will not give a hoot whether they are striped or polka-dotted. But it's the aesthetic. I have a vision of 'all things pretty' and it matters most to me. Not to my family or friends and certainly not to Scarlett who would be happy with a cupcake and a balloon. I'm not trying to impress anyone (but myself I guess).

As for Halloween. WTF. I thought this would be the easiest decision ever. Why are all the costumes either super babyish or kinda trampy? The cutesy animal costumes just look like pajamas, the older ones seem TOO old - like knee-socks/mini-skirts old. And the in-between costumes either have clunky shoes or hideous garbage-bag-like outfits. I don't know. I'm a little stumped. Of course all the ones that I have loved so far are owls. Because Scarlett was an owl last year. Dammit. Also, I don't foresee a hat staying on her head for more than .09 seconds soooooooo we'll have to factor that in. This is going to be interesting to say the least. She may end up wearing a shirt and sunglasses... Risky Business style. Stay tuned.