It all started when she was five. As one of her Birthday presents, Justin and I gifted Grace my childhood American Girl Doll collection, which included a doll, Kirsten, and a fairly extensive wardrobe and accessory stockpile for this doll.
Up until this point, we hadn’t delved into this world of American Girl, but I was elated to share my collection with my only daughter in the hopes that she would create some wonderful childhood memories, just as I had with the very same doll.
Grace was elated. She took Kirsten as her own, and never looked back. She loved dressing her up for special occasions, taking her with us on errands or out to dinner, and making sure that she always had the perfect accessories and hairdos (despite the fact that a 30-year-old Kirsten really just needed a hair replacement). I will absolutely cherish these memories of watching her adore and play with the very same doll I had enjoyed growing up.
Over the years, Grace has added more pieces to her collection. She has some new clothing (who doesn’t love a Catholic School plaid jumper to match their own?), some fancy gowns (her Godmother gave her a gorgeous white gown and veil at the time that Grace, herself, made her First Communion), and some new accessories (there was one year where Grace and several of her friends all asked for the wheelchair and crutches for Christmas after a friend had broken her leg). Kirsten was there through it all, mimicking Grace’s life in so many ways.
Grace is now almost ten years old. And her time spent playing with her dolls has become less and less with each passing year. Even though more time passes between wardrobe or hairdo changes, Grace still has a small corner of her room dedicated to her dolls. Last week, in an effort to clear some room in her bedroom, I suggested that we move the American Girl Doll collection downstairs to the playroom. Grace insisted, “Mom, I’m just not ready for that.” My heart melted.
My girl is growing and changing so much every single day. But she’s still young in so many ways. And I’m holding on to that for just a little bit longer.
