UPSIDE DOWN CLOWN

It was November 1, 2003, the day after Halloween. Jessica’s first Halloween with our family. I was three months into new mom mode and having the time of my life creating and experiencing firsts with Jessica. The day before we were both dressed up for the day. I was a friendly clown with a red wig and she was dressed up as the cutest ladybug to ever seek candy from friendly neighbors and friends. Her spunky little self clearly understood that this day was different and that candy was involved. She was articulate and happy to engage with people about her ladybugness and her desire for candy. 

The next morning after the excitement and sugar, Jessica was a little groggy and was taking her time to wake up. I was in the kitchen having coffee and delighting in my first Halloween as a mom. Before too long Jessica walked in wearing my clown costume, red wig and all. It was huge on her of course, but she had pulled the elastic pants up as far as she could. She was trying to hide her amusement with herself. I took one look at her and burst out laughing. She was so darn cute. In the spirit of the fun and laughter, I picked up the little clown and held her upside down. 

We have many memories of Halloween. The superhero family year. The Wizard of Oz year. The year of the puking pumpkin. The year Jessica dressed as a vampire, fake blood dripping down her face. We also go back in time at Halloween remembering that first year. That year of firsts. I sent that upside clown picture to Jessica yesterday. She said that this is her favorite picture of the two of us. Me too little upside clown. Me too.