Daddy's Princess

Dear Kaylee,

It was your second year of going to the Father Daughter Ball. This year was even better than the last year. I can't believe how much fun the two of you had, and you're only three years old! It makes me wonder how much fun the years ahead are going to hold.

Let's start a few weeks before the dance. At your birthday party Grandma Karen got you a very pretty purple dress and matching purple shoes, with a little purple sweater to wear over the top of the dress. You were in love with that outfit instantly! Knowing that I would need to use that dress for the Ball and for Easter I told you that you could not wear it until the Ball. This did not sit well with you and you begged me to wear the shoes. That I could handle, and so you wore the shoes- everywhere.

A few days after your birthday we were at Costco and they had their little girl Easter dress display out. You took one look and then began probably my most favorite conversation that I have ever had with you.

Kaylee- Mom! Can I get one of those pretty dress?!
Me- Well, you do have birthday money. Do you want to spend your money?
Kaylee- YES! When Daddy sees me wearing that pretty dress he will just fall down!

Oh my heart! We went directly over to the display and you picked out the dress that you just knew would make Daddy fall over!

We got home that afternoon, and took naps. When you woke up you were ready to get your dress on so that Daddy would see it right when he walked into the door. That's when we realized.... it didn't fit. The dress was a 2T but the hanger said 4T! This was not good! Your big beautiful eyes welled with tears instantly. Knowing that this was extremely important to you, we loaded back into the car and headed to Costco. They returned it quickly for us and even ran to the back of the store to get the right size. When the man handed me the dress he said, "Here you go m'am. 4T on the dress and 4T on the hanger."

You loudly interjected, "IS IT THE RIGHT SIZE!"

 As everyone giggled at how adorable you were, you carried your dress out to the car. 

Since you spent your own money on the dress I let you wear it anytime you wanted. You did too. You wore it to school, to the mall, to Winco. You wore that dress every chance you got, however you did not forget about the coveted purple dress in your closet. You asked me all the time if you could wear the purple dress, each time receiving the same answer. Until the night of the dance.

First we painted your nails. Purple and sparkly just like your shoes. Then we did your hair. During both of these you sat so still and patient. Finally, we put the dress on. You started spinning in it immediately. The smile on your face could not have gotten any bigger!

Somehow you were patient enough to make it through waiting for Daddy to get ready and then pictures outside before you went on your big date. Daddy took you to Olive Garden. You were having a good time as it was, but then Daddy broke out the necklace. He gave you a heart shaped, pink, sparkly locket. As soon as you saw it you said, "Oh DADDY!" You ran around the table and gave him a giant hug, officially melting his heart forever.

Daddy said you wanted him to open your locket all night long, and he finally had to tell you that you could only open a little bit or it could break. You had a great time at the ball. You danced with Daddy all night long! He swung you, twirled you, and dipped you until your hearts content.

You came home one happy little girl. Daddy was pretty happy too. Both of you were plum tuckered out! I'm so glad that the two of you have started this wonderful tradition. I can't wait to see what next year holds. I love you so much! You are one of Gods little princesses and deserve only to be treated as such. Remember these nights forever and when you find your prince be sure that he treats you that way too.

I love you, I love you!
Mommy

The necklace...

It was cold waiting to get into the dance, so Kaylee wore Daddy's coat. 

The theme was Hillbilly Hoedown, which is why she's wearing the yellow bandana. Daddy drew pictures on it and wrote notes to Kaylee on it about what she had for dinner and how much fun they were having. I'm going to put it in a shadow box with a picture of the two of them to hang in her room.

Best picture ever! Look at that tired, completely happy little girl!