The Panty Wars

So we all know how mean girls can me. They even made a movie about it, right? But that was about high school girls. When do these cute little girls become "mean girls"? High School? Middle school? My mom, a 3rd grade teacher, will be the first to tell you that she's seen how girls can be as early as 3rd grade. But how about a 3-4 year old class? Yep.

This week is the last week of school for many kids, including Gabriella's preschool class. As far as she's told me, she's enjoyed it. She's made friends, but has pretty much stuck herself to one little girl all year. Tuesday, however, when I picked her up I could tell she was upset. As I asked her about her day she told me that some of the girls didn't want to play with her. She proceeded to tell me they said they didn't want to play with her because she didn't have the same kind of panties as they did! Of course, my initial thought was "Why is everybody showing each other their undergarments?" Apparently the girls asked each other what they were wearing. The others were wearing princess, but Gabriella told them she had on Dora panties. (Silly mom for thinking she could just put on the first pair I grabbed out of her drawer...what was I thinking?) So because she was honest and said she had Dora, they didn't want to play with her that day. And it must have been bad enough because she said the teacher had to tell them to stop teasing. Of course we talked about how that was not nice that they were teasing her and we shouldn't tease people...all that good parenting stuff. But then after dinner she and I took a trip to Wal-Mart to buy her some new panties. Hannah Montana to be exact, since she's the "big deal" among Gabriella's preschool class.

Wednesday she went to school wearing her new Hannah Montana undergarments. After school she told me that she told her friends she had Hannah Montana ones. These girls were not too impressed. They told her they didn't have any and that that was cool, but they still didn't want to play with her. Her one little girl friend did play with her,though, and Gabriella was fine with that. So, today was the last day of preschool. I sent her to school in a cute dress and curled her hair. (Because I wanted to, nothing to do with those mean girls.) And under her dress, Gabriella wore another pair of Hannah Montana undergarments. (Yes, because of the girls!)

I walked her to the playground where her class was and watched her, even though she didn't know I was watching her. There, at the door, were 3 little girls from her class. And let me tell you they looked at Gabriella like "Who do you think you are?" and gave her a 4 -year old version of the mean girl glare. Well, Gabriella, who is timid at school but no where else, walked right through them with a "Get out of my way" attitude. She turned the corner and there was her little friend who Gabriella immediately said hi to. She didn't even let the other girls get under her skin! I was so proud. Her little friend smiled and said "Woohoo Gabriella!" Gabriella responded with, "Thanks, my mom got me this dress," as she flicked back her hair in such a prissy way. The last glimpse I got of her was her leaning one hand on the wall and the other hand on her hip with the ever famous Gabriella attitude and a smile on her face. I, too, was smiling as I walked back to the car. I'm glad she stood up for herself, in a 4 year old way at least! And if it took Hannah Montana panties for her to gain a little confidence, then it was worth the $4.

So to all you moms with daughters- brace yourself. I can already tell it's going to be a long, bumpy road! Mean girls at preschool...who would have thought? And to think, I have about 14 more years of this!

Happy (Late) Birthday!

Yeah, yeah, I know. I need to start getting better about blogging. We have been a little busy lately. In fact we have had 2 birthdays in our home since my last blog. On April 22, Gabriella turned 4. How time flies! I remember her as an infant and wondering if I could handle her going through the "terrible twos and threes" and potty training. (No, we are still in that "terrible" phase and yes, we got through potty training. 1 out of 2 isn't bad...) But it has been a fun and exciting 4 years! I really enjoy having a girl to be girly with. We have our rough moments, but we also have many good ones. She's the one who loves to snuggle with me, the one I dance with, tell stories to, have makeovers with, and helps when I'm baking. We also make up silly songs together, play dress up together and both enjoy watching movies! I see many mom-daughter spa days in our future! I have also celebrated a birthday. I am not mentioning it to gain attention, but rather to admit that I am no longer in my twenties. :( It was a sad day and one that went by with no big deal, thank goodness. I guess I feel if I can admit it then maybe I'll accept it. Anyway, here are a few birthday pictures. No, none of me. I figured everyone would rather see the cuties at Gabriella's party instead of the 30 year old mom!

Once again we had her party at Bear Castle. What more can a little girl ask for? Stuffed animals, dress up, tea party, cupcakes....even a REAL princess! Yep, Sleeping Beauty attended her party. Here is a "before" and "after" shot of the birthday girl and

her little brother. She could have stayed in that dress up all day. His, on the other hand, came off

about 10 seconds after this picture was taken!

After dressing up, taking pictures, stuffing an animal of their choice and walking in a parade down the hall of the shopping mall, they sat down to enjoy a tea party...of cupcakes and Sprite. Her buddy, Ethan, was the 1st one to grab a seat next to the princess! Look how excited he is to be there. What a cutie!

It was a fun day and she thought she was a princess for a week after that! Oh, wait, she always thinks she's a princess! Or like she says, "A little princess with a BIG attitude!" Well, girl, I hope you will always be a princess, now the attitude thing.... that's another story!