The American (Girl) Dream

I've always liked American Girl dolls. I've always wanted to give one to Abby. But Abby is a little hard on the dolls she loves most and since each American Girl doll is way too much money (with dozens of over-priced accessories), I couldn't justify buying a doll whose hair will most likely fizz and whose pricey shoes will be worn by some stuffed animal within a day. Besides, the American Girl company states that these dolls are for 8-years-old and up. So there you go.

Then one year when Abby was four, Santa brought Katie. She is a "My Generation" doll from Target--which means she is an American Girl doll knock-off. She came with cute accessories that were affordable--she's an equestrienne, so she has a riding helmet, boots, and anything she might need to take care of a horse. And Santa brought a horse too---Coco. Katie and Coco have spent countless hours playing with Abby and Katie always lets the other dolls ride Coco. Even Barbie gets to ride Coco (which bothers me, but try telling a little girl that Coco is too big for Barbie). Katie even used to let Abby ride Coco, until Coco started developing a stress fracture and I had to put an end to Abby's riding days.

So in honor of Katie being such a nice friend, she too gets a seagreen holiday dress. Which she will wear with riding boots. And since Abby loves Katie (notice she has blonde hair), I may just let the American (Girl) Dream go . . . Except that the American Girl Company did an awful, awful thing. It announced that it was retiring forever the Swedish pioneer doll Kirsten. What?! Ever since I was ten and first saw the American Girl dolls, Kirsten was my favorite. So in a panic, I may or may not have ordered her. And some of her terribly expensive little accessories. And maybe her St. Lucia holiday gown. With the matching wreath for her head . . .

Will Kirsten be allowed to ride Coco if she comes to live with us? NO. It sounds mean and selfish, but Kirsten will just have to watch the other dolls play. Besides, she's really for me. And she will know that she is too expensive to play with. And you know what? Katie will be just fine with that. She will rest assured that no way-too-expensive eighteen-inch-doll will ever replace her.

P.S. Please excuse my poor photography. We have an old camera which I hate. One of these days when I'm not spending our hard earned money on silly extravagances like dolls, we just might get a new one . . .