Easter's on it's way!!
On Thursday, Libbi and I went to the mall to visit the Easter Bunny! We saw him there last weekend and she was pretty interested in "hop hop" (as she calls him) so I was hoping she'd be okay with having her picture made with him. But, you never know, because everybody's a lot braver when they're on the other side of the gate.....
We prepped for her visit by looking at LOTS of pictures on the internet - ha! (side note.... when googling "easter bunny pictures"....there are a lot more inappropriate images that come up than one would imagine....) Anyway, I tried to find as many pictures of the "mall" easter bunny as I could so he would possibly look familiar to her. She loved seeing all the babies on his lap and would always say "cheeeeese!" So I had high hopes for our excursion.
We arrived at the mall on Thursday and Libbi was super excited. She talked about "hop hop" all morning and was just dying to see him. I was still feeling pretty hopeful at this point....until it was our turn. Remember how I said Libbi is all about being able to "WALK!" these days and does NOT want to be held? Yeah, that pretty much flew out the window, because her legs seemed to turn into noodles. I was really worried that she was going to lose it, because the closer we got to The Easter Bunny, the tighter her grip became. I could even hear her saying, "no, no, no...." (break.my.heart)
But then, I said the five magic words. Words that work like a charm every time. These five simple words can pretty much convince our sweet girl to do anything! I leaned over and whispered "Do you want a cookie?" ;0) (and no, I am absolutely NOT above bribery in these situations.) Of course, she said "yes!" so I said, "Sit with the Easter Bunny for just a minute and then momma will take you to get a cookie." Lo and behold, her grip loosened, the bones in her legs suddenly returned, and she was miraculously able to sit herself on that white furball's lap!
I can't say she enjoyed it. In fact, I can't even say for sure if she was breathing. But, she did it! and I was so proud! After the photographer took about 15 pictures (we were the only ones there -ha!) I finally stepped in and said, "that's the only face you're gonna get outta her - you don't have to take any more." ;0) I think we were both having flashbacks from our Santa visit - ha!
We bought our pictures and left the mall as Libbi chattered about "hop hop" and seemed to regain all bodily control. Despite what the picture may look like, I don't think she was too traumatized. She didn't have any nightmares and she has carried around a wallet sized photo of her and the Easter Bunny every day since. :)
Next year, I think I'll take some reinforcements, especially since I'll have TWO babies to put on the Easter Bunny's lap!
