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from paper dresses to parenting a teen

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Fashion by Mayhem

from paper dresses to parenting a teen

The Thing About This Week’s Dresses…

Posted on August 1, 2014August 1, 2014 By Angie Keiser

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Is that they’re 100% Mayhem.

Meaning she constructed them entirely on her own. All of them.

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Sure, she asked me to help her put them on. And tie that bow.

But I was no part of the design or construction this week.

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It’s been a pretty emotional week for me as I’ve watched it unfold.

I have so much pride in her independence. And so much difficulty too.

She’s not a baby anymore. She hasn’t been for a very long time. And I know that.

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It was only 14 short months ago that we sat on the floor together and she watched as I pieced a paper dress together. Now, she goes in and creates more interesting things on her own than I could ever fathom.

But when she looks at something we’ve done together and wants to recreate it on her own, it’s extra special for me.

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So today Mayhem and I are going to celebrate.

Her first week ever of creating dresses solo.

My help (and input) may not be required (or requested) as much anymore, but I’ll always be her biggest fan and supporter.

I’ll always be cheering the loudest. And the first to jump at the chance to help.

Because I’m OK with my new position as “assistant paper dress maker”.

I think.

This whole parenting gig is slightly more complicated than the pamphlet implied…

 

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Comments (19)

  1. Elizabeth Hajek says:
    August 1, 2014 at 11:17 AM

    This is so exciting! Thank you for continuing to share your talented daughter’s creations with us. I cannot wait to see what she does when she gets her first sewing machine!

    (I started handsewing when I was 5, and was on the machine the next year, so it may not be that far away!)

    Reply
    1. Mayhem's Mama says:
      August 1, 2014 at 5:35 PM

      Thank you so much! She’ll need a little mentoring help if she wants to sew because I’m completely unequipped to handle that. But if she wants to, we won’t stop her 🙂

      Reply
  2. Vanessa says:
    August 1, 2014 at 11:45 AM

    Totally awesome! Well done Mayhem (and mama) x

    Reply
    1. Mayhem's Mama says:
      August 1, 2014 at 5:35 PM

      Thank you! Happy Weekend 🙂

      Reply
  3. Leah says:
    August 1, 2014 at 2:29 PM

    As a first time mother of a 16 month old, you’re post just made me tear up! I can only imagine the pride and emotion behind her no longer ‘needing your help’ anymore. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mayhem's Mama says:
      August 1, 2014 at 5:37 PM

      Yeah, I have a feeling this is only the beginning of these kinds of emotions. Enjoy every minute with your little one!

      Reply
  4. Camels & Chocolate says:
    August 1, 2014 at 3:39 PM

    Can I be a proud (faux) aunt in this case? 😉 This made me tear up!

    Reply
    1. Mayhem's Mama says:
      August 1, 2014 at 5:38 PM

      I like the sound of “honorary” aunt better 😉 And yes, you absolutely may! Truthfully, I was teary while I typed.

      Reply
  5. Angie says:
    August 2, 2014 at 12:23 PM

    She has done an amazing job! I’m so impressed. It’s always so much fun to watch them become independent but oh my stars, I’ve had the hardest time with this.

    Reply
    1. Mayhem's Mama says:
      August 3, 2014 at 4:44 PM

      Yes, exactly! It’s awesome but gut wrenching … not sure I could handle it times 5 😉 Hope your gang is having a great summer!

      Reply
  6. Isargu says:
    August 2, 2014 at 3:17 PM

    Mayhem that’s awesome!! I’m so so proud of you and ones of your biggest spanish fan! Determination is one of the most difficult gifts… And you have it. Just keep swimming. Looking forward to buy (in a sort future ;)) one of your designs… So excited! Lots of good energy!

    Reply
    1. Mayhem's Mama says:
      August 3, 2014 at 4:45 PM

      Thank you so much for the kind words and positive energy 🙂 Her determination can be a challenge (as a parent) but we’re confident it will definitely be a gift!

      Reply
  7. Natalie says:
    August 3, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    Aww she is so cute and so talented. It seems like she has a bright future ahead. I always love seeing the dresses.

    Reply
    1. Mayhem's Mama says:
      August 3, 2014 at 4:45 PM

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  8. kristin says:
    August 3, 2014 at 10:03 AM

    I can only imagine what the future holds with this very creative child! My girls were both so very creative and it has fallen by the wayside as they have grown to an early teen and tween. However, all that the creative energy still shines in other ways. Confidence, determination, wanting to try anything new (whew–that can get tiring), and a wonderful curiosity about life. So enjoy, let her grow and flourish, and trust me–she is still a baby! I just LOVE what you have encouraged, supported, and started. She is sure to continue to be a star. Her dresses are just fabulous this week! I also love to watch the insta feed. I get to see a girl who not just makes dresses but one who is a girl/child doing/being a kid! Bravo to you for that. Loved your words in your post.

    Reply
    1. Mayhem's Mama says:
      August 3, 2014 at 4:50 PM

      Thank you – I know she’s going to keep on growing and changing, but I’m hopeful she’ll always keep that curiosity and sense of wonder. But you’re so right about the “whew-that can get tiring” 😉 And that’s so wonderful that you’ve simply seen the creative energy in your girls simply shines in other ways … I absolutely love that perspective!

      Reply
  9. Michelle (aka mybelle101) says:
    August 5, 2014 at 4:27 PM

    Way to go, Mayhem!! I love your style, and your dresses totally rock 🙂

    And way to go, Angie! It’s so amazing and wonderful and hard to watch them grow up and have to let go, but what a gift to watch her fly! (Also…there was a pamphlet??? I didn’t get one! lol)

    Reply
  10. Kahkshaan says:
    August 7, 2014 at 12:13 PM

    Hey Mayhems mom! I started following your feed this year and your daughter is the cutest girl i have ever seen. She’s a natural and she makes me feel happy about life. Love the bonding b/w you guys.

    Much love,
    K.

    Reply
  11. lauren says:
    August 15, 2014 at 8:22 PM

    I’m obsessed with the orange and green dress! Super cool.

    Reply

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About Me

Hi, I'm Angie. Mom to Sydney (currently age 15,) known to the online world as Mayhem. Formerly that paper dress mother/daughter duo. Currently living in the south, and enjoying every second of this season "mom-ing" this incredible teenage human.

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