With enthusiasm and joy, Vi turned 2 this week. Scheduling complications for the grownups actually resulted in two celebrations and two "minimalist" events involving bite-sized birthday cake and tiny pink cookies.
Here she is modeling her new crown, a new dress beneath an old favorite tutu, and new duds for her dolls. Nothing about this child's upbringing told her to like pink, choose dresses instead of pants, or nurture dolls more than her brother does. And she does love to run, climb, and play ball...but these days she usually does it while wearing pink. It's funny because nobody wants to push the kids into gender role stereotypes, and we'd be happy whatever their choices, but who doesn't love to see little girls in pretty pastel dresses? (The me of the 1970s would be shocked.)
One of her birthday gifts was a plastic tea set, so Pa and I had a little tea party for Vi and Augie. We served make-believe tea and actual pink cookies. Both kids love food-related toys, so this is a big hit--as is the shopping cart with toy groceries she got from her daddy's parents. When daycare ends for the summer, we'll send the tea set home. They will play waiter and chef, taking someone's order, shopping for the ingredients, then preparing and serving the food--a game they already love to play, even without props. Happy Birthday, granddaughter.
With enthusiasm and joy, Vi turned 2 this week. Scheduling complications for the grownups actually resulted in two celebrations and two "minimalist" events involving bite-sized birthday cake and tiny pink cookies. 
Here she is modeling her new crown, a new dress beneath an old favorite tutu, and new duds for her dolls. Nothing about this child's upbringing told her to like pink, choose dresses instead of pants, or nurture dolls more than her brother does. And she does love to run, climb, and play ball...but these days she usually does it while wearing pink. It's funny because nobody wants to push the kids into gender role stereotypes, and we'd be happy whatever their choices, but who doesn't love to see little girls in pretty pastel dresses? (The me of the 1970s would be shocked.)
One of her birthday gifts was a plastic tea set, so Pa and I had a little tea party for Vi and Augie. We served make-believe tea and actual pink cookies. Both kids love food-related toys, so this is a big hit--as is the shopping cart with toy groceries she got from her daddy's parents. When daycare ends for the summer, we'll send the tea set home. They will play waiter and chef, taking someone's order, shopping for the ingredients, then preparing and serving the food--a game they already love to play, even without props. Happy Birthday, granddaughter.
17 comments:
Happy Birthday to your precious granddaughter. I have two 2yr old granddaughters and they both love tea sets, and yes, the boys like to get in on the tea parties sometimes. My 8 yr old grandaughter and almost 7 yr old grandson love to play restaurant...always taking orders and serving imaginary food.
I love the tutu.
So sweet!! Love the picutes!!
happy birthday to your adorable granddaughter! :) she is absolutely precious.
The me of the 70s sounds a lot like the you of the 70s. I held on to those beliefs into the early 90s when my nieces and nephews showed me the light!
Happy Birthday to Vi. Thanks for sharing her all wrapped up in her pink.
We have five and did the tea thing with all of them. It wasn't always easy but we did it anyway.
If there is anything sweeter than a 2 year old grandlittle please tell me where to find it. Happy Birthday Vi!
Oh, how precious! So pink, so two!
Thanks for sharing these pictures and her story! She's lucky to have so much love in her life!
I think pink is one of the prettiest colors of all. And you're right about us feminists and pink in the 70s. And now? I think maybe we saw the light. Gorgeous pictures of a beautiful child, happy birthday to her!
Having tea parties is such a favorite childhood memory. And now we get to have them with our grandchildren- priceless!
Happy Birthday to Vi! She is gorgeous! I only have nephews but I love little girl stuff. Everything is so adorable! Boy stuff is cool but not nearly as cute.
xoxo
Aren't your grandkids bdays the best fun ever! My grandson loved to play with kitchen stuff so we bought him an entire play kitchen set...he loved it. One year later...he's into cars and trucks.
Oh how very very special!
Happy Birthday to Vi! What adorable photos all dressed up in pink..oh I love two year olds, so full of wonder..a magical time..enjoy!!:)
What a sweet little girl! I love having birthday parties for my grand-kids even if they are exhausting ;-)
Adorable child. :-)
Pearl
Happy birthday to your granddaughter, pretty in pink. I love the timeliness of the accouterments!
I'm late with this, but Happy Birtdahy to your granddaughter. I've very jealous of the tea party, looks like such fun.
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