Before I had girls I was sure I was going to have boys. Honestly, I was afraid to have girls. They seem so complicated. And hormonal.
And now I have two. So far the best part is celebrating their girly-ness. And lately I'm ever-aware of it. Evyn loves to stand in the bathroom while I'm putting on makeup. She tells me I'm pretty, compliments my shoes, asks if she can have a dab of blush...wonders out loud when is she going to be thirty-one so she can wear makeup and shoes and drive a car, too?
Frankly, it's awesome. And it gets more awe-some the older they get.
A few weeks ago Evyn asked if we could paint her nails. This is an easy enough task to turn into a sensory treat, so I thought I'd share our process [and maybe encourage those of you who plan to wear sandals au naturale to slap some paint on those piggies already! ;)]:
We started by making a homemade foot and hand scrub**:
- 3 parts ground oats (I used our coffee grinder)
- 3 parts brown sugar
- 3 parts aloe vera gel
- 1 part olive oil
- 1 part lemon juice
Then we rolled up our sleeves and pants and set about scrubbing our hands and feet. Be very careful - your feet will be slippery - in fact, my quick tip for childproofing a tub floor is to lay down a towel, not worrying about it getting soaked.
After a lukewarm rinse and peppermint lotion, I set out a few paints for her to choose from. She picked a cheerful poppy color.
We sat for a few minutes, marveling at our fingers and toes, and exchanged kisses on the cheek.
I know someday in the tweens and teens she'll roll her eyes at me. She'll quit hanging on my every word. Maybe even be embarrassed by me. But I'm prayerful she'll still secretly always be a little awed by me. Just as I am by her.
Other girly celebrations to admire: Eve's Tea Party, Mother Daughter Book Club, Camp Avonlea
**note the slight edit to the recipe - just add as much or little of ingredient as you need for your desired consistency
