Let me give you some background information first. Monkey is the nickname I have for my oldest daughter Gabby, who is 9 1/2 yrs old. Since the birth of my second child almost 2yrs ago, I didn't want Gabby to feel neglected so I invented Mommy and Monkey Mondays. It’s a day where Gabby and I are completely alone to do activities together that we truly love to do without interruptions from baby sisters or an annoying dad. In the summer or days off from school, it becomes Mommy and Monkey Movie Mondays.

So today I decided to have a Mommy and Monkey Monday. I surprised Gabby by picking her up from school and taking her to one of our favorite places, Barnes and Nobles. We had fun browsing through different sections and just talking about life (who's cute, why are boys annoying at times, funny things that happened in school, etc.). I found so many good deals in the clearance section (50-80% off plus an additional 10% because of my membership there). I also picked up the cookbook, Fix it and forget it. I can't wait to try it out. After we finished our shopping, I treated her to a snack at the cafe in the store. She couldn't believe that she was allowed to have a rocky road brownie before dinner. Of course, she was sworn to secrecy about it. lol

We continued our shopping spree in this cute little shop by us that offers these amazing deals. I found Claudia’s christening gown there and you won’t believe how much I paid for the gown. The tag was missing from the dress and the manager decided to give it to me for $29.99! Now I have to tell you that I saw the exact same gown in another store for a little over $95.00! Gabby picked up some really cute accessories. I think she's going to be my little rocker chick. It’s great to see her developing her own unique sense of style as well as watching how confident she feels about herself.

Thank you for letting me brag a little about my wonderful outing with my little monkey!

By Enchens on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 02:05 am:

Wow. What a great idea! Glad you both had fun.

By Nicki on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 06:57 am:

What a wonderful way of making your daughter feel special! Even though my daughter is an only child, I'd love to do something like this with her. Give her a day when she has my undivided attention, no housework, errands, etc. Just a fun mother and daughter day.

I'm sure this special time with you will be something Gabby will remember fondly when she's older!

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 07:30 am:

That sounds like fun. I love spending time, with just one of my daughters at a time!

By Tink on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 11:45 am:

What a fun afternoon! I think you've inspired me to start something similar with my oldest. I'm so glad that you two have a time that is all about you and your relationship.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 12:17 pm:

Great idea! Glad the two of you enjoyed yourselves. I try to do this with each of my kids, but it's hard to find the time.

Reminds me of a clothes shopping trip with just DS and I. Of course, being MALE he hates shopping for clothes. We had fun goofing off though. One rack had Yankees t-shirts on the front and Red Sox in the back. I moved the Red Sox shirts to the front and DS said, "Hey Mom, WHAT are you doing?!" I said, "Shhhh, they should be this way!" He thought that was great!

By Imamommyx4 on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 01:02 pm:

I hope you realize that YOU are helping to develop that confidence in your dd by making the effort to have her feel special.
Way to go mom!

By Kiki on Thursday, March 9, 2006 - 05:07 pm:

Thanks! I know when the two babies get older it's going to be harder to find the time for each of them.

By Bellajoe on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 10:43 am:

That sounds like so much fun, for both of you! We tried having special days like that. Dh wanted to take one kid and i wanted to take one kid for the day. And we would do it once a month on weekends. We only did it once! We have got to get back into doing it and actually make it a routine. All kids deserve special time like that with a parent! Good for you!

By Jewlz on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 01:22 pm:

this is a great idea! I did it with my kids. but we called it kid day. It would start out with library time/ story hour there and then pick out some books. Then the wed have lunch at any restaurant they wanted. It was funny they could eat anything they wanted and they always choose taco bell and then a donut from a special donutshop. Then wed go see a movie at the dollar theatre and do some shopping or to the park or what ever they wanted. this worked out well cuz the kids were 5 years apart and then as one grew up the next one began. My son and daughter and i still do this just not on a reg basis. They are 19 and 24 now. From this they have fond memories of just doing what was fun to them. I also would let them pick two days out a year ( if they kept thier grades up to par) and then wed play hookie. and do this as they grew up. we have had some great times. when we played hookie I also emphasized that if u work hard this is a reward to being able to stay at ur best and that sometimes u needed to get away and just be urself like to rejuvenate or reenergize. I believe the more u do with ur kids the more they trust in in you and become self confidant to stand up and be a strong independant person.

By Kiki on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 01:47 pm:

We do a hookie day for her too as long as she keeps her grades up. Hopefully, as they get older they will want to still get together now and then. I know when they reach a certain age mom and dad will no longer be cool. lol