Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Girls and Dolls or How to get kicked out of Forever 21.

Should I answer some more questions or do a vacation picture post? Hmmm… How about I answer the most popular question and maybe post a few pictures at the bottom? How does that sound? Ok, good.

So, can anyone guess what the most popular question was?

Christa, Katie, Llama, Sarah, and Amber all asked some form of the question “Do you plan on having more children?”

Good question, and the answer is as simple as this: I. Don’t. Know. I know that’s a terrible answer, so don’t hate. I never saw myself with more than 2 children, and after my second child was born only 21 months after the first, I definitely thought NO MORE! However, as time goes on (and Lainey asks me 100 times a day for a brother), my heart has softened to the idea. Shawn, on the other hand is a different story. I can’t blame him, because quite frankly he’s the one who has to get up with the baby all night. Yes, you heard me, I said he “has” to. Tami doesn’t do that type of thing, it’s just not in my blood.

Aside from wanting another baby, there’s also the key question of whether or not I should have another baby as far as my cluster-fuck of medical conditions are concerned. I’m not talking fertility, as we had no trouble conceiving either of our daughters. For one, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, which I was diagnosed with at age 20, so I’ve already been through 2 pregnancies with that. I can handle that, sort of. Second, I have post herpetic neuralgia. I currently have good control of this with medications, but unfortunately these medications cannot be taken during pregnancy. That is a huge issue. Last, I had PPD after I had both girls. Knowing what I went through with that, and knowing that having it again is almost inevitable, is terrifying. Oh, and did I mention hyperemesis? It’s entirely possible that I singlehandedly kept the Zofran people in business for the 18 months I was pregnant. I wonder if they miss me?

So, there you have it. Clear as mud, right? I guess I will say one more thing. I hope to have made a decision by the end of this year regarding having another baby. I feel like it’s a big decision to make, but whatever we decide I hope that Shawn and I will both be at peace with it. I will also say that I have never been one to announce that I’m trying to get pregnant, so if we are trying, I probably won’t tell you!

Alrighty then, back to vacation. Since we’re already on the subject of kids, I thought I’d post the girl’s favorite day of the trip. Are you ready?

Wait for it…

Wait for it…

Lainey, meet “Lanie!”

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Yes, people, it finally happened! On Tuesday we went to American Girl Atlanta (which is actually in Alpharetta). We went all out! The girls bought their dolls with Christmas money from my parents, we bought them a few accessories, and then we ate lunch with the dolls at the American Girl Bistro. If I’m being totally honest here… it was a lot of fun!

After 3 months of pouring over the American Girl Doll magazine, Alivia still had not decided which doll she wanted. She made several trips around the store, inspecting each and every doll, and then she finally decided on “Ruthie.”

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Here we are in front of the Lanie trailer display. While we were taking this picture there was a girl, who actually was total trailer trash, getting pissed that we were taking pictures in front of the display! She actually walked in front of us one time. During this shenanigan, Shawn’s Aunt may or may not have said under her breath “Go back to your trailer!”

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I can’t remember if I mentioned this, but we also brought Shawn’s cousin, Lindsey, with us on vacation. She’s 10 years old, and is a total sweetheart. Here are Lainey and Lindsey at lunch. Lindsey’s doll is one of the “just like me” dolls, and I think her name is Brittney.

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All the girls and their dolls:

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Our waitress was amazing! In the picture below she is telling Lainey that through “American Girl” magic, the dolls will eat if you’re not watching them. She brought each doll a mini chocolate chip muffin, and would you believe the dolls did nibble on it?! It’s true! Throughout the week, Lainey’s doll also ate several jelly beans! (Does anyone know how long I have to keep this up for?!)

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The food was absolutely amazing, but the only photo I got of the food was of Alivia’s. She ordered the “Picnic Lunch,” which was a mini-hamburger and a mini-hotdog. The hotdog was so stinkin’ cute! Where do they get mini hotdog buns from?

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After lunch we walked around the mall, and did a little shopping. I’ve heard so many bloggers talk about Francesca’s, and I finally got to check it out! I didn’t try any clothes on, but I did buy a fabulous ring. We also stopped by Forever 21 and tried some sunglasses on:

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Oh, and FYI, you’re not allowed to take pictures in Forever 21. Um yeah, we got kicked out.

34 comments:

Kelsey Claire said...

So I always wanted an American Girl Doll. I never got one. All my friends did... I know is that so sad? I am glad that your girls get them. I love Ruthie! Also, who gets kicked out of Forever 21?

Leah said...

That was fun and the girls got their dream dolls... and yes, you're not allowed to take pics inside F21 but I do that all the time in the dressing room. Hahaha!

Meghan said...

OMG!!! Growing up, I loved the "American Girl" books and I always wanted a Samantha doll! Sadly, I never got one - but everytime I walk by the store in Chicago I wish I had a doll so I could go in and play!!! There are so many new characters these days!

And Forever 21 kicked you out?!?!? Unreal!

Kyndal said...

Oh I loved my American Girl doll! I had Kirsten/Kristen (?) I honestly don't remember. All I remember is one time when I pissed at my mom I decided that it would be best if I cut Kirsten's hair off. Needless to say my mom stopped buying me expensive dolls after that. :-)

I'm confused as to why F21 would kick a mom with kids out...I can see kicking teenagers out but really?

JennyLee said...

I don't blame you at all for being hesitant towards baby #3. Dealing with the cluster fuck again would be overwhelming to say the least! I'm all for 'you'll just know' if you should. ;)

I always wanted an American Girl doll... unfortunately that never happened. (((sigh)))

Melissa said...

Are you serious?!? You got kicked out of the store for taking that awesoem picture? That is hilarious!

And that is just too adorable with the dolls at the restaurant! I don't think I will ever get to experience that with Hayden...

As to the baby thing... I think you should adopt a little boy!

- Melissa

Jane said...

We did the American Girl thing about 2 years ago in NYC and the Princess was in heaven. I asked her if she wanted to see the Statue of Liberty and she said 'no thank you...American Girl store please?' So we got her doll's hair done (i.e. unsnarled) and her ears pierced (????), yada yada yada.

Two visits and $200 dollars later - I got to see the Statue of Liberty.

Worth every penny.

mama's smitten said...

Yep AG Rocks ! Wasn't the cafe and the menu adorable! When we visted NYC we ate breakfast lunch and dinner there in a matter of 2 days!

Emily said...

You got kicked out for taking pictures!? That is so stupid!

Tyly said...

love the pictures, and I can't believe you got kicked out for that! LAME.

Jen said...

I'm glad that you guys had a great trip. Loved all the pictures, the dress you had on was totally adorable.

Hey did you get the text I sent you yesterday? We need to get together sometime SOON!!

Hillary said...

Okay so does A-Lo have make-up on in the hot dog picture? She looks super cute.

Loved the pictures and that you got kicked out of the store! Why did Lindsey vacation with you guys? I don't think you mentioned it before.

Blair @ Reasonably Swanky said...

Does Forever 21 think they are a bridal shop or something? COME ON!
So stupid.
My niece is OBSESSED with American Girl Doll's. We took her to NYC last year for Christmas to go shopping up there and it was crazy. I couldn't believe how expensive all that stuff is...sheesh!
Loving your hair...as always!

xo

blair

Taylor said...

I can't believe you got kicked out of Forever 21! I love Lainey's pick of sunglasses though....so cute! My mom and I went to American Girl in Chicago last summer and we felt like those weird people without kids who shouldn't be in there, but I can't wait to go back someday with my daughters (hopefully)!

Cara Smith said...

Really? You can't take pictures in Forever 21? Is there a sign? I may have to go to the mall this weekend just to try it out!

Taylor-Made Wife said...

I love the last picture...it was totally worth you getting kicked out. Although its BS to me that someone would have a problem with you guys taking pictures.

Shell said...

How stinking cute are the girls with their dolls? OMG, you just made me ache a little that I don't have a girl.

LOL @ being kicked out of Forever 21.

Danielle said...

I've been away from blog land lately w/ all that's going on...but I should really keep up. We live like 15 minutes from that American Girl store and my daughter loves to go in there..which she won't admit to anyone after all she's 13. But she does admit to going into Forever 21 all the time. And good luck on the baby decision...I will say 3 made us very uneven so we moved on to 4...but then for some crazy reason had 5..and are uneven again...but won't be having 6.

Lindsey said...

Ok you are the cutest mom ever! Love your dress skinny minny!

Anonymous said...

That is so funny that you got kicked out! That happened to my mom and I once at B. Dalton books.

Our 1st AG experience was in Chicgao and it was a nightmare and a half. Then one opened her at the Mall of America and it is always a delight to go in. We went to the Bistro for Emily's 9th birthday and she got her doll's hair done - it was fun and cool.

Your girls are just sweeties!

Scuba Wife Life said...

I used to have an American girl doll! I loved her! The girls look like they had a ton of fun! I can't believe you got kicked out of the store! Thats insane!!

Christina said...

Such great pictures! And, I love that you got kicked out of Forever 21. Too funny!

Yankee Girl said...

It looks like you all had a great time!

I cannot believe you guys got kicked out! You are such rebels.

Linda said...

When we were at the Mall of America they yelled at us for taking pictures but didn't kick us out. Stephanie and Sarah were trying on dresses. I don't know what store it was,.

LWLH said...

That's so stupid you can't take pictures! I always wanted an American Doll when I was younger....lucky girls!! :)

J said...

You are also not allowed to take pictures in Walmart but it could have been because I was racing my gimp brother on an electric wheelchair! :)

Love the pictures of the girls and their dolls!

Ashley said...

Your girls are so pretty! Looks like you all had a blast (you know, minus that Forever 21 thing...)!

Anonymous said...

You got kicked out of Forever 21 for taking pictures? Please, how lame is that?
My Mom has RA too. I see how hard it can be but then I see how she is doing so well too. Good luck on the decision about another baby. :)

Sazzle said...

sorry to say, I think you have to keep it up for awhile. How horrible would it be if one of the girls came to you crying that her doll wouldn't eat?!

love the shades!!!

Just Add Walter said...

I always wanted one of those dolls

And look at you being a rebel and getting kicked out of F21

d.a.r. said...

That is so precious about their dolls!! Aww the pictures are so cute!!

Unknown said...

I'm sure my kids will be into these dolls soon enough!

p.s. I took ZOfran until I was about 18 weeks preggo. It saved my life.

And I had no idea you couldn't take pics in Forever 21? What's the big deal?

Unknown said...

Told you the food was good! I'm glad y'all had fun!

Unknown said...

I love your pink dress? Where is it from?!