It isn’t often that I think Chloe is fitting in “just like one of the girls.” We occasionally go on outings and try to blend in with the crowd and be just one of the girls. Usually I feel like we are sticking out like a sore thumb because of how high-maintenance we are. Usually I feel like we are slowing everyone down, or being annoying, or that Chloe is just not enjoying herself.
But last week at a special birthday party, I think Chloe had a ball and fit in nicely as “just one of the girls!”
Chloe has twin cousins who just turned 9. They had a birthday party at the American Girl Store in Dallas. And Chloe was invited. Chloe hasn’t had many invitations to birthday parties so I was so pleased for her to be included. But I wasn’t sure how she would do at a tea party. She doesn’t chew food; but I figured she could lick the finger sandwiches. She’s not real big about sitting around the table talking; but I thought surely I could successfully entertain her and keep her occupied for one little party. Besides, the only people going to the party were aunts and cousins and a Meme, all who adore Chloe and would be patient with us.
Chloe did GREAT! And she had a ball!
First, she looked at the menu.
I made a selection for us to share: a trio of miniature ice cream cones with sprinkles. Now, knowing that the coldness of ice cream oftentimes hurts Chloe’s feelings and makes her cry, I knew this choice was risky. But the trio was one of the few things on the menu that didn’t require chewing so I went for it. While we waited for our treat to arrive, Chloe sucked on her fingers while her Bitty Baby watched on.
And then, the feast began! Chloe loved the trio of mini ice cream cones!
She picked them up. She put them down.
She stuck her finger in the ice cream and then liked her fingers clean.
She licked them. She picked them back up. She licked them some more. She put them back down.
She got lots of sprinkles on her chin and hands. She had a ball and enjoyed the treat!
What a great time and a fun memory!
I was so proud of her!
And then later, waiting to be seated for dinner at a restaurant, Chloe joined in with the other girl cousins for a little hand jive game. Too cute.
Just One of the Girls!!
Ordinary Days 
Posted by Aunt Laura on December 4, 2009 at 2:52 PM
You made me cry. I am so thankful that Chloe could be just one of the girls! We loved it that she could be there. Thank you for bringing her. You are creating quite a legacy for her by your precious blog! We love you!
Laura
Posted by Kelly on December 4, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Thanks, Laura! We love you, too!
Posted by Linda Mastin on December 4, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Dear, precious Kelly,
Barbara and Laura both called me and told me to look at your blog. You know me – I am not looking at the computer very much so have to be reminded to look. You do such a good job of writing and the pictures and text that go along with it are sooooo good. You are an amazing Mom! Linda
Posted by Kelly on December 4, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Thanks, Linda! And thanks for being part of our sweet memory! 🙂
Posted by Virginia Beth on December 4, 2009 at 4:37 PM
I am so thrilled that Linda connected me to your blog and that I have gotten to see Chloe and the progress she has made. What a great day of fun for her and the cousins! She is so blessed to have such loving parents. Virginia Beth
Posted by Kelly on December 4, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Hi, Virginia Beth! Thanks for checking in!
Posted by Regina on December 4, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Kelly,
Chloe is such a great part of the “girl cousins.” Yes, they all adore her! Sometimes they “adore” her too much for her liking. I think fun was had by all!
Posted by Kelly on December 4, 2009 at 5:01 PM
I think so, too, Regina. I think now that Chloe is bigger, the girls “baby” her less which is working out nicely. Although she does love a good “baby-ing!” 🙂
Posted by Robert Mastin on December 4, 2009 at 7:18 PM
That was a beautiful blog! I sometimes get down about Chloe but you are wonderful with her. I’m glad she had such a good time.
Posted by Kelsey on December 4, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Thank you for writing about me and my birthday party at the American Girl Place. I think Chloe is blending in perfectly around people. I think that your a good mother to Chloe and I’m Happy that she is my cousin. I love Chloe so much and I know she is in Gods arms. Chloe is an awesome cousin to every person in are family.I love ya.Bye!
Love,
Kelsey Ann
P.S. Tell Chloe that I said Hi!
Posted by Kelly on December 4, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Kelsey- thanks for writing! You are a sweet, sweet cousin and niece! Love you!
Posted by Janet Daniel on December 7, 2009 at 10:30 AM
What a privilege to be counted among the friends of the Mastins….amazing Christians…every one.
I love each of you and enjoyed the pictures and the story. We will keep all of you in our prayers and praise God for the example you set for all of us. May I send this to my children?
Posted by Kelly on December 7, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Hi! Yes, share it! And thanks so much for commenting and praying! 🙂
Posted by Joanna Berry on December 7, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Chloe is a beautiful little girl. I was blessed by the love and acceptance shared by her cousins. God’s ways are certainly not our ways, seldom understandable. The miracle of courage and grace and love that has grown through difficult circumstances gives others strength and inspiration to face their own struggles. Thank you for sharing this in words and pictures. Joanna
Posted by Jenna Kemp on December 7, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Kelly- I’m so glad I got to read your blog! We think cousins are pretty terrific to share the struggles and fun of life. May God bless you and your family this Christmas! jenna
Posted by Eden on December 7, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Kelly –
This was such a joy to read! Virginia shared it with me and I am SO glad that she did!
Chloe is precious! What a beautiful, big girl. I praise the Lord and celebrate with you as you enjoy watching all of the hurdles that she overcomes, one day at a time. You are all an inspiration!
Merry Christmas –
Eden