She Did It... Easter Pictures 2013

Since our family photos with Santa just 3 months ago, I have been talking to Gabriella about getting her photo with Amaris and the Easter Bunny. 

I have talked this long, because just before Christmas 2012, I had taken the girls to Disney World for a few days. There I learned very quickly that Gabriella is terrified TERRIFIED of animals in costumes. So terrified that she would attempt to crawl out of the stroller (while buckled). One time I forgot to buckle her in, and she escaped the stroller and ended up on top of my head (Yes... LITERALLY)... I lost many hairs during that climb and my ears felt as though they were vibrating in strange ways. The pain from her scream was so severe that I had to hold my ears for some time. 

Gabriella's behavior seems so ridiculous to me (it's much like my behavior if I were to see a snake). But, I still don't get it. I can't figure out if her behavior is due to her special need (an underdevelopment in her brain) or something else. 

This photo was taken approximately 12 times... 

Someone's eyes were closed, not looking, chin too high or too low, etc... 

This was the best of the 12. I really hate it... but, guess that's what you get...

especially with un-patient photographers...

She does well with me preparing her for whatever is to come. Knowing this, we talked and talked and talked about our upcoming photos with the Easter Bunny. We talked about what I wanted to see: two girls smiling, Gabriella sitting next to Wendell and Amaris sitting on his lap.We talked about what I was not going to see: "no cries", "no fits"... I even went as far to remind her that crying can ruin her mascara and make-up... something a princess would not want. 

On her own, she asked for her hair to be curled, mascara for her eyes, blush for her cheeks, "lip-ah stick" and her toe nails painted... so, I obliged. It took two hours from the time I got in the shower and ready... until I was able to get both girls ready. What a looooong morning. 

But, the end result would be a smiling photo with the Easter Bunny, playing at the mall on the climb-on toys, and Starbucks for a "mocha coffee"... OR, it would be a non-smiling photo, Gabriella watching her sister play, and no "mocha coffee" for Gabriella. 

I am thankful Jie Jie was here on break from college. Without her, there certainly would have been some drama. I know this, because just a couple days earlier, we came and visited Wendell... and, that didn't go over very well. Those in the mall, regardless of where they were, got an earful. 

I am pleased to say that a photo was taken... and hopeful next year it will be easier. 

Waiting for two more sisters in China... 

hoping they might wear these dresses in summer 2013.