The non-princess Princess

Sometimes it feels like the past 4 years have been so very long, like my beloved pre-work run never existed, like going out to dinner with my husband on a regular basis was all a dream, like there was a time before stinking diapers, wet underpants and crushed food all over the kitchen floor...but then, I can't imagine a life without all that (although I'm sure to appreciate it when it's over).

Suzanne turned 4 last week. They say you don't remember the pain of giving birth, which is partially true. To be honest, I have had migraines that are more memorable than the pain associated with bringing Suzanne into the world. And she has grown into a wonderful, happy, and funny princess-loving little girl...

Suzanne on her 4th birthday

I was a tomboy wannabe growing up. My older sister was a tomboy; I was her wannabe. I have no memories of dressing up like princesses or donning fairy wings or pretending to kiss my prince. I remember cutting barbie's hair and putting her in the snow to see if she would freeze. I hated pink and frills (if my sister was around). I remember playing "Star Wars" with O (a boy who shall remain nameless since he is now some arty farty celeb) and maybe kissing him (since he was Luke/Han Solo and I was Leia, obviously) and having him pull my pants down all the time. But princesses? I don't think so...

So Suzanne has categorized her world in terms of royalty. She is a princess; Max is a prince (who she wants to marry at times), Marlow is her amoureux and thus a prince; Louka gave her a "true love kiss" and is thus a prince; Papa is king; Mommy is queen; her girl friends are all princesses unless they aren't her friends anymore. And, one day Suzanne will be queen and therefore must marry Papa. I have yet to break the news to her that it's illegal to do that.

In an effort to distance our household from the Disney princesses (she recognizes the logo!), I asked my Dad for some of my favorite movies from my childhood. I'm sure that other kids growing up in the 80s know them : Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Carousel, The King and I, and of course The Princess Bride.

I never realized how anti-feminist "7B47B" is but it was a great hit with the 4 year old set while Carousel was a little too advanced with Billy being in heaven and then coming back and all. For the last 2 weeks, Suzanne has been walking around whistling "Goin' Courtin'", asking about the Princess Billy (who is actually Milly) and quoting Westley and Buttercup instead of Belle, Cinderella and Snow White. We're making progress...