a ten spot

This is the image my father named "the money shot." Nice.


So, back in June, the kids in my family (Galon, Katherine, Evan and I) went in together to get Dad a replacement Carhartt jacket.
It didn't fit.
He returned it for store credit.
The store's inventory for winter style barn coats by that brand didn't come in until this past fall.
He ordered the one he'd like in the size he'd like.
Earlier in January, the jacket arrived in Tappahannock and I delivered it to him in Locust Hill.
There was this nifty sticker on the color advertising the extra "snap on hood" available.
I bet him $10 he wouldn't leave said sticker on at work for the first week.
Although some details are, as we say in the news business, sketchy, he emailed me this pic earlier this week as proof.
Pictured with him is company admin. Mary Howell, whom I trust greatly in the instance that Dad may be yanking my chain.
The $10 spot bets will hereafter be referenced to much like the "five dollar bets" referenced by Ed and his buddy in the show that ranks nearly with Northern Exposure, the aptly named- Ed.
For my all time favorite Ed-bet, click on the word "ed-bet." You'll love it.
Seriously- why don't they have good TV like this anymore?

Flower baby

Well. I need some help from the experts.
Most who know me know fashionista, I am not. Khakis, tennis shoes, maybe a shirt dress now an then would be my idea of comfy living ever after.
However, having a little girl presents some challenges in the wardrobe department. For instance, you've read about the "bow incidents."
Often just choosing shirt, pants, socks, shoes, bib, spare outfit that coordinates (or doesn't clash) with said socks and shoes daily can be trying- especially when they're laundry back-up.
And since we have a little girl, there are times when it's particularly "fun" to dress her- my favorite stuff comes from Hanna Anderson, The Children's Place and Zutano.
Now, I've got a particular challenge that I'm having a lot of fun looking around for.
Galon's little sister, Jenny, is getting married in April (yay!) and was thoughtful enough to ask Susannah and her older cousin, Anna, to serve as flower girl-ettes.
The only request of the bride is that the dress be mostly white. The coordinating color is lapis, which for those a long time from the aisle is a deep purpley-blue.

Here's the challenge:
something that Susannah can also wear for Easter (the week before the wedding)
something that is quasi comfortable
something that isn't trying to make a 16 month old look "sexy"
something that could potentially be altered to wear later down the road
something that is easily packable (we are flying to Florida for the big event.)
something that doesn't cost a small fortune

Here are some options I've uncovered. I'm also looking second hand via consignment and thrift shops, and if any of you have a cast off dress that might fit the bill, we're looking for anywhere from size 18 months-2T.
Please "vote" by commenting and help prevent dear little Susannah from looking like a rube in wedding pictures she's sure to later in life and might be bitter about if I make this decision independent of any guidance.



This is called a "pillowcase dress" which leads me to believe I could fashion it myself using a castoff bedsheet...however, I like the bows and the fact she could wear sandels and maybe deep six the whole tights/uncomfortable shoes thing.




This one is from baby gap and a bit on the casual side. I like the length and the eyelet stuff.




This is more "beachy" and casual, but I like the colors (purple might go with her stuff?) worried about the idea of a halter dress on a very rotund baby with teeny shoulders...






This is definitely more formally special occasion (and a bit pricey) but I like the classic look and nice fabric. We'd get the white version.




This one is kinda summery - I like the colors, but not sure it's formal enough. The "big girl" dresses are strapless, corset style.





Finally, this is one of my favorites but not sure about it fitting the bill for comfort and versatility.

What do you think?
In the coming days, I'll try to post a recent shot of our little "model" so you can imagine these on her squatty little, frizzle headed-self.:)