On Saturday Teya and I got to go on a special Mommy/Daugther date to an American Girl Doll Fashion show. I was originally thinking it would be a nice way to introduce her to the dolls and get her excited about someday getting her own. At the last minute though I realized the show was for girls and their dolls.
I should've just grabbed one of her dolls and called it good, but an irrational part of my brain panicked and thought, "Oh no! If she doesn't have a real American Girl doll she'll feel like a deprived outcast!" (Yeah right, the kid is 4, like she would've known the difference!)
But I wasn't thinking about how a 4 year old would handle the situation. I was thinking about growing up in a family where money was tight and I was one of 5 girls who shared everything. I remember seeing an American Girl doll in one of my mom's magazines and wishing she could be mine. But I didn't even ask. I was smart enough to know that even if my mom could afford one for me, she had 5 daughters, and 5 of those dolls would break the bank!
So, in that moment of emotion I got online, found the perfect American Girl doll for Teya, and ordered it to come by next day shipping. I know my 4 year old daughter who has never seen nor desired an American Girl Doll did not need me to splurge on such a purchase. But I guess I just got caught up in some of those old emotions of my own childhood and thought that somehow buying that for her would make up for me not having one as a kid.
Thankfully Taber was very understanding when I explained why I spent so much money on a doll that Teya didn't even ask for, and Teya was genuinely excited about her new look-a-like friend. She named her "little Teya" and spoke to her like a real person.
The Fashion show ended up being a lot of fun. Not because I bought that doll, but because I got to spend some one on one time with my sweet little girl.
Me, Teya, and little Teya getting ready to go in
The girls posing outside with their dollies
Emerson, Teya, Ali and Ave all fancied up with their dolls
The fashion show featured the main character American Dolls and explained the way clothes have changed for women through out the decades. I love that all the clothes were modest and the stories of the girls were really sweet. 
The Mommies: Pam, Becca, Jenn and me
Our table was right near the end of the runway so we had a pretty good view
After the show I asked Teya what her favorite part was. She said, "The cookie with the sprinkles." Glad she was paying attention ; )
At the end of our fun day together I thought back on my silly emotional purchase and realized that there was nothing "deprived" about my childhood.
I didn't always have the nicest things as a kid, but I did have the nicest parents!
Next time I'll remember that my kids don't need me to spend a lot of money on them,
It's the time I spend with them that makes all the difference.
13 comments:
How is it that I never even heard of American Girl doll or whatever it is!? My sister in law asked me to help her find one this past Christmas and I had no idea what she was talking about!
Anyway, Teya looks adorable with her doll and it's awesome you can live vicariously through her! (and spend some good one on one time with your girl.)
That is such a fun mommy/daughter date idea! And I think it is sweet that you got her an American Girl doll...I got my first one when I was 6 (and I played with it till I was about 12! ha ha!), so you are not too far off from that! I can't wait for the day that I can buy Miley an American Girl doll. Teya just looks so excited, and even though she probably didn't need the expensive doll yet, I am sure she was so thilled! Adorable!
You are so cute Becca! I actually have a similar problem. I was never tempted to splurge on purchases until I had girls. Now every time I'm at the store I feel like I HAVE to get that bike for Brooklyn, and Lily's life will never be the same without that outfit (that she can't see and will probably just puke all over!) We just want our girls to have everything in the world if it will make them happy! There's nothing wrong with that...as long as we control the urges...for the most part! :)
That is an awesome mommy/daughter date. I am so jealous you have girls! Another really cool thing about those dolls is all the books written about them. It can be a wonderful way to help your girls learn to love reading. And they teach good morals - so awesome.
Hilarious about the last minute purchase/overnight shipping!
Growing up I never even heard of an American Girl doll until I was in 8th grade...and that was only because we left the ghetto we lived in to a nicer area. My friend was told me how she used to be all into it and I had no clue what she was talking about!
I heard Target had some knockoff dolls of those.
That's a cute idea for a fashion show!
Totally in the dark about this American Doll world. Little look-alike dolls? Pretty cute, I can see why you wanted one as a kid! :)
I totally understand where you're coming from- we had zero money growing up and being the youngest, I pretty much just inherited whatever ratty old toys were around the house. I remember dreaming about new toys constantly and now as an adult, I'm like "what?? My little ponies are less than 5 bucks?? Here you go, Kenz!" haha we all do it, it's all good. But at least you have a good sense of self-awareness and realized what really matters! And I'm sure Teya will treasure that little doll. She better. jk;)
I LOVE these dolls, I didn't even know they existed until like 3 years ago, and I really wanted one! I love the Native American ones--the jingle dress one and the fancy outfit. Soooooo cute. I should make my hubby get one for Chenoa...I don't think she'd ever get over it! haha. It's so true though, they really don't need all the fluff---they just love time w/ mommy and daddy. But it is funny how we try to OVER compensate for things we always wanted but couldn't have. haha
Love American Girl Dolls ... they are so decadent ;-) ... Rachel and I went to our first fashion show about the time you were just figuring out they existed ;-) LOL ... about 12 years ago. Fabulous fun! The great thing is the books and learning that goes along with the girls. Excellent ... have fun with the future of American Doll mania!
Probably a good thing I have three boys, because baseball mitts are so affordable by comparison! Looks like a lot of fun. I probably will never get to go to a fashion show with my boys, but I do hope they'll remember all the COUNTLESS hours I spend schlepping them to baseball stuff! You are so right about the time we spend with them rather than the money...in the end you can only really take those memories with you.
I didn't know about A.G. dolls growing up but for some reason I've been getting their magazine for years! I thought they were so cute and I wanted one, but didn't even have a girl! Now that I have a girl and she's 3, I can't WAIT to get her a look-alike doll w/ matching outfits. So fun! I haven't heard of the fashion show before. How fun! I'll have to see if they do one in our area! I agree w/ you that it's not about how much money you spend... the best memories are made w/ the time spent together! You do a great job of that!
I loved your explanation of the experience Becca! It was so fun but above all, it is so good to have the time with our sweet girls. I loved being there with you and appreciated you that day! :))) Looking forward to more fun events in the future!
Love you,
Becca
I almost bought Elena one of those twin dolls (cause I thought the girl looked like her when I was thinking about buying it.) I was this close to clicking "purchase!" My MIL got Elena a knock off for Christmas last year and Elena plays with her off and on so I'm glad I didn't fork over some serious cash for one. But I know how you feel about wanting those impulse things for our kids.
I totally wanted one of these dolls when I was younger. I can't believe they have parties and everything for them. How cool that Teya got to go. It looks like she had a lot of fun.
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