First Date

Mouse had her first date last night with her daddy. Chick-fil-a, which is one of my all-time favorites and I'm hoping there's a franchise in the hereafter, had a reservations-only Daddy/Daughter Valentine's celebration. She was a bit hesitant about going, as in "But I don't wanna go on a date with Daddy!" in a tearful, frightened way. Apparently explaining the word "date" would have been most helpful.

I dressed her in a Valentine's shirt and bow and Birch picked her up and they arrived in time to be escorted to their table. It was fully decorated and was bearing a flower just for her. When Birch came home he told me that most of the dads were very dressed up and most daughters were wearing very dressy dresses, many of the little ones in hairdo and makeup. I had that momentary twinge of having blown it. It just never once occurred to me to fancy her up to go to Chick-fil-a. I mean I love it there and all, but...

He said as they were sitting there eating, she was giving the scene the once over, taking it all in, and then checked out her date and looked around some more. Finally, she pipes up with, "Daddy, you really oughtta wear something up on top of your bald head to cover it up." I guess everyone else's dad not only dressed up, but brought along hair as well.

After eating dinner, they were provided with a carriage ride, complete with blankets. And the highlight for Carolina was having her picture made with the cow. I'm so glad I've never thought that about any of my dates.

She was plenty excited to show me her flower when she got home. It's now in a vase on the sun room table. It will not live nearly as long as the memory, I hope.

And next time, we will go all out. We'll plan it before the morning of, and we'll dress her up spiffy. And maybe, just maybe, I'll provide Birch with a hat. Gotta keep the ladies happy.