Sometimes you've got the right size, but not the right attitude. That's what we've always had when it came to Ava's fit-modeling career. However, we got a call from our manager last week asking if Ava was still wearing a size 7 shoe. "Yeah, she is," I answer. "Now, which one has the better temperment?" Michelle asks. I know what she means -- Bettina doesn't really have a "better" temperment, per-say, but has more curiousity and willingness to try on new things in front of a room of complete strangers. "Bettina," I answer. "Does she wear a size 7?" she asks hopefully. "No. She's an 8." "Well, how do you think Ava will do?" I can't promise anything other than we could practice at home beforehand.
So, in the morning, just before our appointment with Baby GAP, Ava and I practice putting on different types of shoes: some too big, some too small, and some in colors I know she hates. Every time she does what is asked without complaining, she gets a Skittle and gets to choose the color as well. I'm still a bit nervous since the last time we went to a shoe gig, she absolutely refused; we got black-listed from that client.
With fingers crossed, we walk in to meet our contact at Baby GAP. The fitting goes great - she tries on the shoes and walks the "cat walk" observed by a team of designers, returning to ask for "a yellow one". We have found Ava's current currency. We're called back again before the week's done, and again, she gets her pick of colored candies. Good job, Ava!!
