a doll girl

There are so many ways that A. acts older than her age.  There are so many times that I have higher expectations of her than I should.  But, when it comes to dolls, she is a little girl.  Maybe it is that she can be a little mommy and the doll won't talk back.  I don't know the reason, but I know that I love it.  

After Christmas, we read Kirsten and Felicity American Girl books.  They were the 2 dolls that I had when I was a kid.  After we finished the books, She got to have my dolls.  She loved those 2 so much and much to my chagrin, played with them until their hair was in knots and their accessories were unorganized.  Oh the shame!  We decided that we would read the other books and then when we went to NY on her birthday trip, she could pick out her own doll.  Nice intentions, but, do you know how many historical dolls that there are now?  We made it through 1 more set of books and that is it.  

She picked Rebecca, the doll from 1914 that is from NY city.

When I called to schedule our reservations, the operator asked me if I was scheduling for a child's birthday or an adult birthday.  Seriously?  I love some American Girl, but, I repeat, seriously?  They also assured me that there was plenty of doll seating.  

Finally, the cake.  Unfortunately, the expectation of cake took over most of A.'s meal.  But, I think the anticipation was worth it!

That is one happy girl leaving with her new doll.  And, one happy momma to be able to finally get my dolls straight again.  Maybe birthday parties for adults isn't so strange after all.  

a dream come true

Day 2 in NY was a sharp contrast to day 1.  This little one was fascinated!  She has had an odd obsession with the Statue of Liberty since she was 2 years old.  She used to watch a power point presentation that I randomly found that just cycled pictures of The Lady Liberty to patriotic music.  I would put it on repeat and she was engaged for at least 15 minutes.  That was a long time in the life of my then 2 year old!

Waiting in anticipation.  As we got closer, she just kept saying, "WOW!"  and "She is beautiful!"

 While we were there, they hand out free walking tour guides to wear and listen.  Stacy and I listened to the first section then got bored once a woman in her raspy voice started speaking of emotion of her grandmother coming to Ellis Island. A.  on the other hand, was attentive to hers the entire trip.  She was answering the  multiple choice questions and lecturing the grown ups on our listening skills.

 Obviously, when in the company of the Statue of Liberty, you must stand like the Statue of Liberty.

And, when the creep man with a plastic face approaches you, you must dress have a picture taken. 

She decided that she wants to be the Statue of Liberty for Halloween.  Later, when we stopped for lunch, she was in the bathroom for a while.  I went to check on her and she was crying.  Ummm, in NY and crying in the bathroom.  That is scary.  Turns out the toilet paper ran out and she wanted to use the roll to make a torch for Halloween.  However, the tube got wet and it was ruined.  DISASTER!

Thankfully, chopsticks and a promise of a project at home in, lets say October, were a good distraction!  Disaster averted!