The reluctant little mermaid

I think 'reluctant' is too mild a word. It was more like the little mermaid morphing to the 'Incredible Hulk'. Yesterday afternoon, we had a pre-Halloween costume party for the children. As a child, I've never celebrated this holiday just because it's more commonly celebrated in the western parts of the world. It's nothing significant to me or the family but I thought it would be fun for Sera to join in the fun. I couldn't have been more wrong!

A few days ago, the mothers (Manuela, Slyvie and myself) went in search of the perfect and cutest costumes. Not much of a choice, but I thought I found the costume. A little mermaid costume, which I thought would look adorable on Sera. I avoided all the 'princess' costumes, just because it was too girl-y for my taste, if that makes any sense to you. Oma made some adjustments to the costume and it was just perfect! The only problem was that Sera hated it. I mean, she practically ran away from it when she saw it. And when I managed to pull it over her, she screamed like there was no tomorrow! She did the 'Incredible Hulk' antic of pulling and tugging the costume, and I was like screaming at her to stop or that would be the end of the cute little costume. How crazy ... how disappointing!

I was, admittedly, a little crushed that she didn't like the costume. I felt even worse for her oma, who spent hours making adjustments to the costume. Anyway, I thought I'd just try again for the actual day, which was yesterday and guess what? Nah, she still hated it. Shucks! She wore it long enough for a group photo with Gaston and Kelyan. She tried to tear off the dress during the drive to the party but the car seat straps restricted her movements. We arrived at the party and within seconds, she was pulling off the straps, pushed down the costume to her feet and YIPEEEEEE, she was a semi naked child, free from the 'horrible' costume. I accepted defeat, got out her jeans and t-shirt and got her covered up.

I can't say this isn't my fault, this aversion to costumes. You see, I remember vividly how I protested when my nursery teacher tried to make me wear costumes during costume day. I refused, I just wanted to stand and watch the other kids get dressed up. Secretly, I thought they all looked really funny and I was just relieved I was spared the embarrassment. Could a 4 year old really think that way? Yes, I truly did. And now, I see myself in Sera. Totally. So yesterday, while the other children pranced and played in the costumes, she observed, sometimes stood by the side, randomly touching their costumes. I know she had a great time, just in her own way.

Kelyan, the giraffe. Sera, the mermaid, and Gaston the Skeleton. Sera put up a struggle while we pulled the costume over her, thus the hot and sweaty look.

Standing and watching ...

Sera, by the side, while the other children posed for a group photo

This is painful for me ... but this was the other mermaid who won best costume (little girl category). 'sob'