Last Minute Ninja Turtle Costume

Over the weekend my son was invited to a costume party and since this mama has not yet finished this year’s Halloween costumes, we needed to come up with a quick and easy dress up outfit.

He could have gone as The Cat in The Hat, which was last year’s costume, however a fur costume in 90+ degree weather simply will not work. Then there was the option to use one of the several pretend play outfits that are in the closet but let’s be honest. This was an opportunity for Mama to be crafty and I just can’t pass up the chance to get artsy!

After some brainstorming and discussion we agreed on a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. This is typically a costume that I would steer my child away from as I feel it lacks originality but I decided to let him be the little boy he is and have fun with it. It was super simple to pull together.

"Logz, I'm trying to take your picture.
Logz, can you stand still for a minute?
No, seriously, I'm trying to take a picture of the costume.
 Logz? Ok, maybe a different pose? Thanks bud. Love you."

How we did it 

A Green Turtle Outfit: 
I found green shorts and a green shirt in my son’s closet.

The mask: 
I chose to use a template found on the Betty Crocker website. There are a number of templates online or you can free hand your own.

The shell: 
I used a piece of felt in a gold tone to make a shell for his belly, used a marker to add some definition to the shell and attached it to the front of the shirt. I baste stitched it, but Velcro or safety pins would also work for temporary attachment.

For the back shell, I headed to the dollar store and looked for something in the cooking and serving section to use a shell. A popular option for the shell is a disposable roasting pan, however it seemed too large for my son. I spotted a serving platter and a serving dish that seemed like they would work for us, grabbed them both and headed home to let my son choose which one he liked best.

We agreed that the hard plastic dish was the best choice and got to work painting it (which took all of three minutes). We set it in front of a fan on the floor and it took about five minutes to dry. Up to this point everything was going so smoothly. Then this happened.

And Then There Was One

Today was the day.  The day that I put my 2 (almost 3) year old in preschool.  It isn't technically the first day of preschool until next week, but he tagged along with his older brother on the last day of this school year.  We were all excited last night.  This morning however, that excitement turned to nervousness and I thought for sure there would be tears.  I wasn't sure if they would be coming from my eyes or his, but I knew it was going to be a tough transition.  Thanks to the amazing distraction skills of the teacher, I am not sure my kid even realized I left! I felt a tear begin to emerge as I drove away but there was no hysterical crying on my part! I did drive in silence on the way home and as I glanced at my sleeping baby in the back seat I wondered what I would do with my morning.  Then I jumped back into reality as I remembered all of the housework and errands that needed to be completed.

Seriously though, I am feeling some separation anxiety related to leaving my little boy in someone else's care.  My first son was older when he went into preschool and we both felt very ready for it to happen.  Part of me feels that I should have waited a bit longer for E to go, but I know he will love interacting with kids his own age and as his brother is transitioning into a full day kindergarten program, I worried that he would be longing for a playmate.

People keep asking me if I am excited to have some time alone with the baby, and I suppose I am, but that excitement is overshadowed by the loss I am feeling by not having my other baby with me at home.  I suppose it is normal to feel this way and it will get easier over time.  I hope.  I am sure he is having a great time and will be all smiles when I pick him up.

Rather than dwell on it, I suppose it is time to get to those chores.....