Second Generation of American Girls

 

It was yesterday, 1987 to be exact, ( as any mother with grown children knows, 20 years ago WAS yesterday) that my daughters and I poured over our first ever catalog of Pleasant Company offerings. We were all enchanted by the dolls and I made it my mission to squeeze out every extra penny I could so that on Christmas that year, they would awaken to their choices from the catalog. And there began a long love affair with everything American Girl. By the time the 3rd daughter left home, there was at least 7 of these dolls in residence. But things had changed. Where as before the dolls and all their accompanying accessories had held places of honor in their respective owner's rooms, the entire lot had been relegated to plastic storage boxes.

A month ago, in a cleaning frenzy, I came across the boxes and opened them. The years just melted away as I took them out, attempted to smooth their now frazzled locks, and made note of very loose arms and legs. The box also contained various costumes and various accessories all now thrown together. I sorted as best I could each daughter's bits and pieces to give them when I saw them. As each now has a daughter, I couldn't wait to pass these heirloom quality playthings down.

The first to receive her mother's childhood relics was my almost 5 year old granddaughter Hilary. I knew that she was not near the reccomended age for the doll, but just couldn't resist. She was immediately enchanted and adopted Felicity as her very own; frazzled hair, loose legs and all. It was only a matter of days before she began asking for a sister for Felicity. Once again ignoring the age reccomendation, I excitedly ordered Kit because with her bobbed hair and freckles she bears a close resemblance to our Hilary.

Today was the 5th birthday and Kit was delivered to her mother. She was so excited and immediately ran to her room to show Felicity her new sister. She requested a photo shoot resulting in lots of blurry pictures of the sisters and their delighted mom. I like this one because it shows the contrast between a much-loved doll and one just embarking on her journey of childhood fantasies. It's a little sad to think that someday she, too, will end up stored away in a box. But only for safe keeping I like to think.