Back To Normal But Better Dressed

Danielle is back (also with new clothes) and I feel better now. Seriously I was having chest pains the entire time she was away. When we were going to sleep last night Dani asked if I was mad at her for not missing us more. I think it makes sense that when somebody goes away they're not as sad as if they stayed home and somebody else left them.

They went to an outdoor outlet mall in New England and Dani and Malaika got a lot of stuff. Dani came home with four pairs of jeans and sweaters and waffle shirts and socks and two pairs of pajamas. Alex is so excited (because these clothes will become hers when Dani outgrows them). I am secretly excited because I plan to borrow some of the shirts. And pajamas. And socks.

We went through all their clothes today and made a pile of clothes to give away and one to throw out. Some stuff is so bad, and falling apart, we can't even give it away to anyone. We even cleaned out the drawers with paper towels and stuff so the new clothes will stay extra clean.

Danielle came home with a new jacket today from school. Malaika got two new ones on her trip and gave Dani her old one. It's a red peacoat with black buttons and Dani looks really grownup in it. Not as scruffy.

Aunt Elaine is saying that with all these new clothes there's no need to go clothing shopping at the end of spring for summer clothes. But that's bullshit because Alex and Dani got winter clothes and you can't wear a sweater when it's 98 degrees in the city. I told Craig today (and gave him Alex's thank you note) and he said that we'll wait until the spring to fight that battle.

Alex is making dinner. I think she is immature and babyish and we have been letting her get away with not having to do things because she's "the baby" and as of yesterday, am making her do more stuff. So now she has to make dinner once a week all by herself. The only thing she can have help with is asking questions on how to make things. I can hear her banging around in the kitchen. Last night I cut up carrots and other veggies. I hinted to her that there's a leftover starch in the fridge she can make that will feed all of us and there's only one portion of pasta but can't tell what she's making. This shouldn't be too hard.

Alex cried when I told her, and asked if she has to clean up too. Damn straight. Why should you get to just set the table and stir things all the time when Dani and I do all the cooking and cleaning up? Danielle is happy about this, and asked if it's a late New Year's present for her. I think it's kind of a present for both of us.