New Dress

I know I have mentioned before about how this journey has brought us so many new friends and made us so many new connections in the most random places.  People seem to be completely drawn to Samantha, and I don't know if it's a Ds thing, or a cute little girl thing, but from what I can tell, we have never, ever, in 5 years, had any kind of negative response to her - no odd stares (either we're really lucky, or really oblivious...), no insensitive comments, nothing but love and affection.  Certainly the area in which we live plays a big part in this.  Certainly Samantha herself plays a big part in this, as well.  I mean, who could resist?

We have been going to our local IHOP for breakfast from time to time for about a year now.  For most of that time, we have had one server in particular, whose station we always request.  She is one of those people who was hopelessly drawn to Sammi, and Sammi to her.  She spends time talking to Samantha, enjoying her company.  Lili's got one of those personalities that children can't help but love.  Through the conversations we've had, we have discovered that Lili has a sewing business, making clothes.  And she loves making clothes for children.

A few weeks ago, she asked if she could take Sammi's measurements to make a dress for her.  She asked us some questions about preferences, and whipped out her measuring tape.  Samantha stood still, wondering what on earth she was doing, but was patient.  When we told her that Lili was making her a new dress, she got very upset (I still can't understand why telling her something is going to be "new" or "changed" affects her so much, but I suspect it has something to do with a fear of change - certainly owing to her transition issues).  Sammi's words:  "No new dress!  I don't want new shirt - (points to shirt she's wearing) I like this shirt!"  We had to stifle our giggles.

On Sunday Lili greeted us at our table with this beautiful floral woven cotton creation, in colors just perfect for my earth-princess.  The drop-waist is perfect to contain her little tummy, and I am always drawn to longer lengths because I think they look so flowy and natural, and are still easy to run and play in for the most part.  Samantha was even going down her slide head first while I shot these pics. 

If any of you are interested in having something made for yourself or your child, please contact Lili at chiguita29@aol.com or let me know.  She doesn't have a website yet, but I believe her rates are very reasonable, and she can work with you to find styles and patterns you'll like, as well as walk you through the measurements (unless you happen to be local).  Lili has 25 years of experience in custom-designing clothing.  Now to help her get that Etsy site up and running...