As I mentioned the other day, Jackie!’s big surgery is on Monday. It’s no big whoop, just your typical eight hour brain surgery where a cancerous tumor and part of her right frontal lobe will be removed. You know, it happens every day. And then after the surgery, she’ll have your typical six to eight week recovery. You know, a walk in the park.
Having been on bed rest, I know that watching reruns of Fresh Prince of Bel Air can get old REAL fast. A lot of us Friends of Jackie! (that’s FOJ! to you) have been putting together different things to occupy her recovery time. One of the things I’m doing is making a little book with all the comments and well-wishes that have been left for her on my blog (act surprised, Jackie!). I was trying to think of ways to jazz it up a bit so it wasn’t just a book o words, when my friend Dana emailed me with another idea of something we could do for Jackie! I love it when someone’s idea is both awesome (because her idea is awwwwwesome ) and inspiring, because it made me think of how to jazz up Jackie!’s book o words.
(Jackie!? Stop reading now dude. Thanks. SERIOUSLY. I know you’re there. Stop).
A lot of you darling readers comment on the cuteness of the little baby that sprung from my loins stomach. And you know that my hubby is the bomb and got me a camera for my birthday. AND, I know you all just come here to look at pictures of said kid. I decided I am going to put pictures of Maddie in the book o comments for Jackie, but not just any pictures – they will be pictures that all of you come up with.
I’m not talking about your typical pictures, though. I need action! Costumes! Scenarios! For example, do you want to see Maddie telling a joke, like in this photo?
Or maybe you want to see her with the Bob’s Big Boy Statue? Or putting her feet in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, or stalking movie stars at The Ivy. Whatever you want to see (and dudes, do I have to tell you to keep it clean? Srsly.) and I will do my best to make it happen.
Once I get pictures of all your fun ideas, I will post them here, along with a shout out to the creative minds behind each photo. Then everyone will vote on the best one, and the winner will get a bunch of swag I stole was generously given at BlogHer. I have swag coming out of my ears. And it’s NICE STUFF. Stuff I am probably dumb to give away. It’s all still in the brand new suitcase I bought in San Francisco JUST to bring it home:
That picture doesn’t do the suitcase justice. It is full-sized. Mike was pretty pissed he had to lug it through the airports. There is stuff for Women, Men, Kids, etc. I’ll put together an awesome prize package for the winner.
So, give me some ideas! I gave you three scenarios to get your creative juices flowing. I can’t wait to see what you creative-types come up with. Ready…go!
Midwest Mommy says:
I will have to send you some pics of what I did to my daughter when she was her age.
Great idea!
maya says:
Hmm….
Since it is election season, I was thinking of you dressing up maddie as a candidate giving a speech. Good idea? I know.
Kristin says:
Can you dress her up in your wedding dress?
I’m lame, I know.
It’s 9 am and I haven’t had any coffee.
Middle-Aged-Woman says:
I’m pretty sure you need to dress her up as Black Hockey Jesus.
anna says:
Here are two ideas, one is lame, the other is sheer genius. You can be the judge.
She could become Inspector Clueso. There has to be some mystery out there needing solved.
Then you could dress her up as a hula dancer and somehow perch her onto the dash of a humongous car.
Amy says:
Hair has been the talk of the blog so how about using different wigs and hats to bring out different characters in Maddie?!?! I am not sure if you can get cheap wigs but I look forward to seeing the pictures.
Jill says:
You could dress her up in doctor or nurse garb, or as a celebrity – complete with sunglasses, cell phone and paparazzi-shielding hat.
Memphislis says:
Okay seeing as how I hail from Memphis Tn, I’m saying let Maddie go all gangsta on us. You know, you could even put a little clock around her neck. I’m thinking arms crossed, scowlin’ like she’s gonna pop a cap in our… um, yeah. I think you get it. I can see her holding a tiny little homemade baby spoon shank!
Maria says:
Oh man I’m blanking because this is SO AWESOME.
I’m going with, driving the car, white-tank top, sunglasses, baggy pants, flashing you some sort of awesome “what up, mama” sign.
Incidentally, my brother and I took this very same picture with my sister when she was 3. no wonder she’s a total troublemaker now.
Andrea's Sweet Life says:
I’m thinking Maddie as a disco queen, all the way.
Jennifer says:
I’m in a packing frenzy and can’t think straight–but how about some pics w/ those crazy costumed characters on Hollywood Blvd.? That might make for some interesting captions!?
Wishing lots of good luck to your friend and a full and speedy recovery!!
ali says:
china town.
maddie dressed head to toe in something asian…geisha outfit perhaps?
you know, since asians love her….and her daddy?
Heather says:
I think a Flintstones themed photo would be cool. Maybe a faux fur rug, giant bone….she could so pull off the Pebbles look without the orange hair. (altho maybe there is a wig for that)
Becky says:
Hmmm….Okay, I can do this. Shit. I suck at this.
I want to see Maddie as a chicken. Or a hot dog.
Danielle says:
You dress up as Angelina Jolie, Mike as Brad (with faux hawk), and put Maddie in the Baby Bjorn in front of Mike (with faux hawk).
Just for added flavor, put a Baby Bjorn on you with some multi colored babies.
hee hee It’s all about pop culture on this one!
Danielle says:
Oh – and I LOVE the hula dancer on the dashboard. HILARITY!
Dana says:
How ’bout Maddie in a hospital gown kneeling by a doll-size bed, praying, with a sign in the background that says “Turk-free Zone.” This borders on sheer cheese but it might be meaningful… -ish…
I’m so fired.
Dana says:
P.S. I sooooooooo love that joke-telling pic!
Loretta says:
Maddie can be a beautiful, blushing bride and Rigby can be a flower girl OR Maddie can be a cowgirl and Rigby can be a cowboy or a horse!
Lorettas last blog post..SHADES OF INSPIRATION (GOLD)
Kate says:
Here from ICLW. Adorable photo! Best of luck with your recovery.
Nanette says:
As a street performer on the Promenade or Venice Beach!
(That’s all I got for now. I’ll try to think of more, although I don’t need anymore fabulous BlogHer swag. How’d you score stuffed animals, by the way? I missed out on those bad boys.)
Nanettes last blog post..So you think you can find me
Brianne says:
I don’t normally respond, but I just had to for this one! I loooove it when babies are dressed as little animals. So freaking cute. Like a little lion or something. Maybe a monkey?
Erin says:
I’m so sorry to hear about Jackie!’s tumor/surgery. I can’t imagine what I would do if my own Jackie! (Staci!) had to go through something similar. Please know that there’s one more person out there wishing her all the best on Monday.
I would love to see your daughter as a McDonald’s drive-through order-taker. Or in the car giving her order! Have fun…
Erins last blog post..A Not-so-little Problem
Bonnie says:
Dress her up in a baby Yoda costume like this. And give her a gnarled stick to hold then have the caption be something Maddieyogaish like “In you the power of the Force is”
Bonnies last blog post..Sibling rivalry
Danes says:
Um, if this is for the Jackie! I know, Maddie needs to become a Starbucks barista. I’m just sayin’…..
Danielle says:
Baseball manager? Ya know, for a big famous LA team….
Liddy says:
Visiting from ICLW.
Adorable picture!
Liddys last blog post..Prayer Requested
CaraBee says:
I just have one word: disco era Elvis. All right that was three words. Sue me.
CaraBees last blog post..I love a rainy night…
Baby B says:
How about Maddie dressed up like she’s from different regions of America? Scarlett O’Hara-esque Southern belle, grunge rock clothes in Starbucks for the Pacific Northwest, and all country girl for the Midwest. I’m sure you could cover California girl as well!
I’m a sucker for theme ideas.
Baby Bs last blog post..Just For Kicks
dysfunctional mom says:
I found you on AllMediocre and have been reading all about Maddie. She’s adorable! What a lucky family you are.
Best wishes for your friend Jackie!
dysfunctional moms last blog post..Friday Two-fer
moosh in indy. says:
Asleep on the couch with a beer, the remote and her hand down her diaper.
moosh in indy.s last blog post..moments.
Z says:
Haven’t read through all suggestions above, so sorry for any repeats.
I’m sure it’s been mentioned before, given your recent posts, but – trapeze artist?
Also… Let’s see… Gold Medal Olympian gymnast… College (or high school, or med school, or law school, or whatever) graduate… Rock climber… Dog walker… Um, I’ve got lots more, but I’ll leave it at that. For now
Zs last blog post..Black coffee and cold rain
Anissa@Hope4Peyton says:
Am I the only one to think of little French Madeline with the big yellow hat and the blue dress of childhood book love?
Many prayers for Jackie!
Anissa@Hope4Peytons last blog post..Rorschach tests…what do YOU see?
M says:
Here from ICLW.
First, your daughter is GORGEOUS! And that picture of her telling a joke is one of the best pictures of a child I’ve seen!
I think your idea for a book for Jackie is great, and I wish her nothing but the best with her surgery and recovery as well!
As for an idea for a photo, I know that you’ve already gotten a whole bunch, and I’ve not read through all of your comments. So, I’ll leave you to go through the suggestions you’ve gotten already!
Ms last blog post..The Places I have been (Pt 4 of 5)
maya says:
http://www.buycostumes.com/George-Washington-Child-Wig/34549/ProductDetail.aspx
pgoodness says:
I just started reading your blog, but I had to comment to say that my cousin just went through the same lovely kind of surgery that Jackie! is going to be going through. Well, probably not exactly the same, but brain surgery, cancerous tumor, the whole nine yards. It sucked but 5 months later he is doing fantastic and is actually back to work as a firefighter…
so with that in mind, how about Maddie as a firefighter in some way?
pgoodnesss last blog post..Advantage: getting older
Lissa says:
I LOVE this idea I def agree with the Starbucks one! I also think at a bar, glass of wine (apple juice!)??!!! ….do you think that’d be legal?!! xoxo
Black Hockey Jesus says:
Baby with a Sharpie moustache. You can’t lose.
Black Hockey Jesuss last blog post..Guests/Wii/Burritos/Eggrolls
Quart says:
If only you could get a picture of Maddie with her future husband (my nephew) Zach! The two cutest kids on the planet would put a smile on anyone’s face. Though after reading through your post about the hair cutting party Jackie seems to be the one making everyone else smile. I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s amazing!
andi says:
We once put a square piece of black paper between baby Elliot’s nose and mouth. She looked like Hitler. So wrong, but so funny. We’re all about the politically- incorrectness.
Since she’s an LA baby, (and I have no idea if somone’s already suggested this) maybe you could put her in some heels, a feather boa, some glittery sunglasses, and an outfit befitting of the red carpet.
andis last blog post..Common sense and impeccable timing: I have neither
Rhonda Johnston says:
Heather,
Please let Jackie now that the Johnston family have been and will continue to pray for her through this scary time. She seems like a very special and amazing soul.
Ok so my pick for Maddie is to be dressed up like a Dodger Dog. You can decide if she needs condiments.
Rhonda
Rock and Roll Mama says:
Ooooh! This is so much fun.
Maddie as Charlie Chaplin outside of Grauman’s Chinese theatre!. Why there? I don’t know. It would just be fun. Also, she would get discovered as you take photos, I have no doubt, and you will have a baby movie star. Hmmm. Maybe take them at home. Safer.
I’ll be thinking about Jackie on Monday. L
Tash says:
Oh, I love that photo of Maddie on the chair with footstool – all kids should have their own chair!!
As a Librarian, I think you should have a photo of Maddie on the issue desk stamping books (not with her feet obviously but with a date stamp!!)
Tashs last blog post..Saturdays!
holli says:
We will definitely have Jackie in our prayers.
Stacy says:
Definitely dress her up in some sort of superhero costume (my fav is Wonder Woman). There’s something too cool about a baby in spandex and a cape. And the caption could say something about “If you ever need rescuing, you know who to call”.
Or, dress yourself up as a little girl (ya know, pink clothes, pigtails, rosey cheeks, one of those giant lollipops). Then dress Maddie up as a baby doll (frilly little clothes, a bonnet). Stick her in a stroller and make Mike take a pic of the two of you…you know, like you’re playing Mommy? (I dunno if that’s funny or not, but I often feel like I’m still playing babies, and my son’s 16 months old, so I’m sure you’ve had the same feeling before).
Please let Jackie! know that the Mitchell’s in Louisiana are praying for her daily!
lindsay says:
heather, i’ve been MIA with your blog (damn board test)….so i had to catch up with your posts about jackie!…. one thing i note about every picture you posted of her – is JOY. jackie! joy! yup, they go together.
i will be praying that the surgery goes off without a glitch, the recovery is speedier than expected, and the joy! of jackie! remains as bright as ever.
as for dressing up your adorable baby doll…. my mind draws a blank. since i don’t know jackie! it’s hard to pick something that she’d find particularly humorous/creative. if she likes baseball, i’d dress her up with dodgers gear and use your powers to snap a few shots on the pitcher’s mound/dugout…. (better if you could get an actual player to help as a prop – or an ump..a little scuffle/staredown with maddie would be hilarious)….i dunno…dressing maddie with dodgers gear is nothing new… i feel like the creative juices have been sucked out of me.
have joy! putting this together for jackie! and again, i will be praying mañana.
Sassy says:
Heaps of comments so I don’t know if someone’s suggested this but how about you go all shagadelic Austin Powers style and dress her up like Mini Me? I think that would rock.
You could always go to a costume shop and try a couple on her.
Sassys last blog post..IComLeavWe – Day 6 – About Australia: Melbourne
hawkfeather says:
I am a new commenter- but still too much fun to pass up..
I would like to see (and not sure if you are included in these pix).. a shot of her dressed as you.. you as her.
and I wish your friend well.
My mother had an AVM (arterial venous malformation) removed when I was about 12- I am 32 so that long ago the surgery was really crazy… the healing, all of it- we lived through it.. helped entertain her… and she healed well.
My son had a tumor removed when he was a year old as well.. he was too little to know.. so we did all the worrying!!
he bounced back like nothing had happened..
I am wishing her well and sending love and support.
hawkfeathers last blog post..NINJA luvz
Rebecca says:
the black hockey jesus idea cracked me up. definitely.
Christy says:
I want to see Maddie dressed up like Jackie! and with Jackie! after her successful surgery!
Linda says:
how about Maddie goes “Hollywood”, visits some of LA’s famous places, like Grauman’s Chinese and shopping on Rodeo Blvd!