My life with my newest addition, our American Girl Doll.
I have four kids. Three by choice, one by complete surprise. On Christmas morning my third daughter arrived. She came wrapped in red and gently covered in a plastic rectangular box with the words American Girl Doll printed in white.
We couldn’t go with her original name, that would be too normal. We named her Elizabeth. For three days she proudly kept that title, until after a viewing of “Barbie in a Nutcracker” when she was renamed Clara. Clara’s hair was perfect. Her eyes, a beautiful blue. Her smile, sweet yet sarcastic. Clara knew what I was in for, and I believe she was preparing me with her grin.
From that moment on, our American Girl Doll became an active member of our family. A little too active. It happened in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, I was setting a placemat for her, getting her ready for bed, dressing her for soccer, arranging playdates, and bathing her. When I went to Target it was a constant battle to get out of the toy section alive. We just HAD to pick her up outfits, underwear, and even a pony. Yes, a pony. Her list of requests got more intense with each passing day.
I did an inventory of her accessories and practically fainted. Clara is the proud owner of a pony, six outfits (including a bathing suit), a bathtub, a soccer ball, a Hawaiian skirt, four bows, two pairs of shoes, a purse, a bed, two bottles of nail polish, a hair salon set complete with hair dryer, and finally, an I-pod.
I’m knee-deep in American Girl Doll land. Drowning in a sea of mini luxuries. I’m starting to think seriously about a boarding school for Clara, but I believe that would break my first daughters heart. They have become quite attached. In fact, Sutton (our first-born) believes she is Clara’s mom. Clearly this is not the case as I’m the one who does Clara’s hair, arranges her wardrobe changes, and puts her pony in its stable each night.
Sutton once came rushing into my room in the middle of the night claiming Clara was sick and wanted her “Mimi”. Her what? Apparently, these two found it cute to refer to me as this dolls grandmother. At the age of 32, I find little humor in this title. So, there I was staring at my two girls wondering which one was in more trouble.
Whoever invented this world of braces, pets, ballet recitals, movie tickets, sleep overs, dog sleds (I’m not joking), crutches, and holiday dresses for dolls is a genius and most likely a millionaire. Seriously, my hat goes off to you. Hook, line, and sinker. We took the bait big time in our house.
My four children are doing fine. We have all adjusted to the newest addition and are learning to live with her drama. I’m throwing a joint birthday party for Clara and Sutton this year. Yes, Sutton requested an American Girl Doll birthday party. Well, at least I’m not throwing the party JUST for Clara, but she hasn’t been with us that long, and I’m not sure what next year will bring. I do know this, if a rectangular box arrives under the tree this year, it will remain wrapped. Sorry Santa, but I can’t afford another kid!
6 comments
You have barely touched the surface with the whole American Girl thing. My daughter is almost 12 and we have only just packed away the 15 dolls and their accessories that were collected in 6 short years. Honestly though…the sweetest and most innocent years! Enjoy!
Girl, I could spot Molly McIntire a mile away! Molly needs her BFF, Emily Bennett to entertain her! HA….we have the catalogs that come in the mail but so far I've convinced Ella James that the dolls are too expensive. We'll see how long my little ruse lasts… If this is something they play with until 12 years old, then bring it on. Plus, you can put this stuff away and save for your childrens' children. Look at it as an investment! 🙂
My American Girl inventory with two girls is now well over a ridiculous amount of money. Ansley started collecting hers at age 3, Isabel age 4. We have thrown two American Girl parties, have been to the AG store 3 times (stay tuned on Courtenay's blog on that super fun bday party outing in Atlanta – road trip for sure) and my girls still play with them – now at age 9 1/2 and 7 1/2. These dolls cost a fortune, yes, but they last forever and they tell a neat story with each doll. My girls have never picked up a Barbie for more than a minute. They too were hook, line and sinker for American Girl world. But these dolls are tried and true and have had longevity over any other toy we've purchased. I'm in! I wish they had these when I was little! P.S. AG dolls fetch a pretty price on ebay, still.
As a mom of 3 boys I cannot even relate – yet this post had me laughing out loud. Please, please buy the sled (and then boots & a ski bib??) this winter and post photos of your fun.
Emily Elizabeth (Bitty Baby) has been the little sister for my 5-year-old for 2+years now. We recently gained the Bitty Twins, Layla and Ronald at Christmas time. Apparently, if I'm not going to provide younger siblings for my daughter, her imagination will! I feel you! They even argue!
My 8 year old is also loving her AG dolls, many outfits and accessories. Thank goodness though for Target and Wal-Mart for providing affordable furniture and other pieces to compliment the AG brand.A couple months ago, I took my daughter and her friend to Atlanta to the store to celebrate her 8th birthday. We had a fabulous time.My daughter is allergic to peanuts and her friend has Celiac disease. I wrote a post on our experience eating in the American Girl Bistro on my blog (www.peanutclinicaltrial.blogspot.com) if other Smarty readers dealing with food allergies are interested.