The Easter Bunny

It is quite possible that we have scarred our 18 month old for life and completely turned her off of the Easter Bunny. I know most kids get scared around a year old when they go visit Santa or the Easter Bunny (my Mother has photographs documenting my own toddler fears of Santa), but I was not prepared for our own dramatic showdown with the Trumbull Mall’s Easter Bunny.

The day began typically for a Saturday. Roo wakes us up around 7, we go have breakfast in our jammies (Daddy declared it pancake Saturday) and then we play for a bit. As a break from our routine, I suggested a visit with the Easter Bunny. So we scooped Roo up and took her upstairs to change her clothes. This may have been the beginning of the end.

First of all, she did not want to get in to her dress. Auntie Courtney had bought her a beautiful Easter dress, which she of course initially refused to wear. After a short wrestling match and some bribes, mission accomplished, she was ready to go. Our little family headed to the mall. Upon arrival we stopped at Starbucks, were Roo played peek-a-boo with the barista and kept spinning around in her dress. We then began our journey to Easter Bunny headquarters, outside of JCPenney (you’d think the Bunny could find more glamorous digs with what he was charging for pictures). As we approached the area I made sure the Roo could see the other children in line, approaching the Easter Bunny, sitting in his lap and receiving their Easter “gift.” Then it was our turn. By this time we ended at the front of the line, no one was behind us and Roo and I took our time approaching the six foot brown bunny. She watched cautiously and by the time we were about two feet away, she started shaking her head and saying “no, no, no, no.” I tried to assure her, while making a mad dash to throw her in the Easter Bunny’s lap. She freaked. I don’t think I have ever seen her turn that color red and was impressed by her use of every appendage on her body to hold onto me. I think I could’ve let go of her, put my arms out to my side and she would’ve have still stuck to me like super glue.

This scene carried on for 2-3 minutes. The Mommy dance, attempting to convince my little girl that the Easter Bunny meant no harm. She’d stand there and look at him, but wouldn’t get any closer than 2-3 feet. At one point the poor Bunny, in a gesture of peace, reached out held out a chocolate egg. She ran up, grabbed and went back to her spot as quickly as her little toddler legs could carry her. I went in for the forceful sit again, promising to sit with her. That didn’t work either. Red, screaming and tons of tears. The girls working the camera said it was the second worst reaction they had seen all season (the first being a kid who not only screamed and cried, but actually jumped the display fence and ran down the mall hallway in terror).

So no pictures with the Easter Bunny this year. The worst part is that from that point on, whenever I mention the Easter Bunny she starts shaking her head and repeating that same urgent phrase, “no, no, no, no.” I hope she grows out of this by Christmas in time to see Santa.