The Barbara Update

Today, after starting to learn how to knit a scarf for her doll, Ela sat reading Make Way for Ducklings to her baby doll. When it was time to go on our walk to the shoe store and library, I asked her to go make a pish because we were about to go out. She finished reading the book to her doll, slid off the couch, and said in her motherly voice, "Don't worry, Gramma. I know all about raising children," as she went off to the bathroom, did her thing and got on her jacket.

Gila had to have a baby, too, and all I could find was Elmo. Gila hugged Elmo passionately and we were off, babies in tow. Both girls ran up the first hill on Pierpont and then Gila opted for the stroller. 

Once we got to the shoe store, both girls got busy checking out the merchandise. Ela, the pro, put her foot on the measuring device, happy to learn that she had grown a full size larger and really did need new shoes. Gila cried, but the sales person was so quick, the crying didn't last for long. Ela found sneakers she deemed, "cool," checking with me several times to make sure I agreed. Then she found what I call Mary Janes, but she defined as high heels. There was no arguing about the purchase - even though I knew her mom had just bought a pair for her. Ela made sure all tags were cut off, we added two pairs of tights to the merchandise and each girl wearing new sneakers, we proceeded to the library. 

Gila, in the stroller, stuck her feet out straight out in front of her, knees stiff, so she could look at her new sneakers all the way to the library and home. Great success all the way around.