Birthdays and apples

It was Little Monkey's Birthday recently. I cannot believe she is already three! Little Monkey is growing into a beautiful little girl, and I am incredibly proud of her. I think as a parent I need to be telling her just how much I love her and how awesomely special she is. And I do. Every single day.  Sometimes I put my feelings for her in fabric, threads, zips, buttons, ribbons... you get the idea ;)

I have been admiring Debbie's Birthday dress by Sewpony ever since Suz first posted it on her blog. I appreciate the timeless style. I thought it would look nice on Little Monkey, so While she was sleeping, I made a Debbie's Birthday dress for my daughter.

Little Monkey's dress is made out of lightweight denim. I used printed cotton poplin to line the bodice and to make an apple shaped pocket. The leaf is a small appliqué. I just recently bought a few wooden apple shaped buttons - how lucky!

Little Monkey is into pockets right now. I am pleased to report she was impressed with the pocket on her new dress.

So there we were, in Little Monkey's room. She was busy checking out her new dress, and I was busy admiring my little person. I guarantee I had a goofy smile on my face. Then the following conversation took place:

Me: Тебе нравится новое платье (Do you like your new dress)?
LM: Yes.
Me: Хочешь его одеть (Would you like to put it on)?
LM: No.
Me: Почему (Why)?
LM: I don't want photos.

Oh dear! How was I going to convince her to try it on? It has been cold, windy and wet for a couple of weeks. I offered Little Monkey the chance to go play outside for a little while in her new dress since the rain had stopped. What a sneaky plan! Surprisingly, it worked. Little Monkey declared she needed an umbrella and off she went. I promise the first photo was not set up. It is a co-incidence Little Monkey's umbrella is red!

Little Monkey walked around with her umbrella for a little while, and then decided jumping in puddles was more fun. Being responsible parents, we took as many photos as we could. Oh, we also made sure there were no cars approaching.

After some jumping and giggling Little Monkey remembered she was a big and responsible three year old. She composed herself, and we went home to blow raspberries on each other's tummies and play chasies.

Now Little Monkey's Birthday has been and gone I need to come up with a new excuse to make three outfits for her in one week. Here is a good one - her daddy's Birthday is coming up!