She Can Dress Herself Up, But I Can't Take Her Out

Lately, my almost-3-year-old has been dressing herself. I like to think I'm the kind of mom who encourages her creativity—and I do—but in this case, it's mostly that I'm lazy or too busy making my third pot of coffee to spend 45 minutes wrestling her into a six-piece ensemble after a 15-minute undershirt negotiation.

She mixes textures, seasons, even sizes, wearing a sweater over a summer dress complete with tights under leggings, and a rogue pair of size 6-month socks I never got around to taking out of her dresser. And then I have to be seen with her in public. Where I know people. No longer do I worry about bumping into an acquaintance while wearing too-revealing yoga pants and last night's mascara. Now it's all about leaving the house with a tiny Who-Did-It-and-Ran.

A friend suggested I make Anna a button that reads, "I dressed myself today!" It's a genius idea, so of course I had to mess with it. Here are my pin ideas:

1. Cat Lady in Training
2. Daddy Dressed Me
3. Not Actually Homeless
4. I'm an Olsen Twin
5. Celebrity Stylist
6. Sometimes Mommy Drinks


What message would you like to pin on your kids when you're seen out in the world with them?