American Girl Doll Store Visit

A long, long time ago…in the 1980’s, I was given an original Pleasant Company American Girl doll, Molly. This was long before the American Girl doll line had been purchased by Mattel and exploded across the nation. My sister also had a Kirsten doll as a young girl. I think for Kirsti’s high school graduation party she actually put her Kirsten doll and “Kirsten’s World” (as she called it which includes all the accessories, room scenes, etc) away into boxes. 

The American Girl dolls were a big part of our childhood. Both Kirsti and I read the book series. Even though I was a bit older when I got my Molly doll I have dreamed of having my own little girl have her own American Girl doll. Auntie Lori bought Elizabeth a “Bitty Baby” twin girl doll last year. 

This past weekend, Elizabeth made her first ever visit to an American Girl doll store.

We found the “Elizabeth” doll which I am sure our Miss E will have one day.

We watched young girls bring their dolls into the “salon” and get their hair fixed which Miss E absolutely loved.

Hunter was taken back at “all this doll stuff” and pushed his sleeping baby sister Anika around the store. He was patient and understanding…and maybe secretly enjoyed seeing Elizabeth in a complete state of joy at all the dolls and accessories. He also remembers he had a decade of being an only child with plenty of special shopping trips.

After some decision making, Miss E decided her purchase at American Girl store would be a new stroller for her Bitty Baby doll, who she has named Ava. 

Many of you know my all-time favorite girls name for years and years was Ava. Hunter James would have been named Ava Jane if he was a girl. Ava is my mom’s longtime forever friend. Jane is my mom. Avajane was their “brand” of homemade clothes they sold at craft shows when I was a child. 

Somehow Nathan and I never arrived at naming either of our two girls Ava Jane BUT our friends Wade and Holly named their baby girl Ava. After spending time with Wade, Holly, Emma and Baby Ava in March, Elizabeth now calls her baby Ava which I absolutely love! I finally have an Ava in the house.

Ava’s new stroller came in a box much to E’s disappointment. We carried it around the mall with us in a box, packed it in our vehicle and drove home with it. We got home late Sunday night with out putting it together.
Monday morning Nathan promised “after work” he would put it together. Miss E wanted to make sure Daddy did not forget his promise. 

I found this in front of the mud room while I was making supper:

Hint hint Daddy. Ava was laying on top of the stroller box. Nathan could not pass through the door with out practically stepping on it. 

Nathan kept his word. 

One thing about Elizabeth is that she does not let you forget. She will keep reminding and insisting until she gets her (demanding) way. When you do come through for her, she is so happy. 

And believe me, we had one happy daughter when the stroller was put together.

Ava has been strolling around our home ever since Monday night.

For the time being, Miss Anika is happy with Hunter’s old Elmo doll and her green nuk, watching her sister stroller around her with Ava. But too soon Anika will have her own visit to the American Doll store for a few baby things to play with of her own. Because I can tell you right now, big sister Elizabeth won’t be quick to share and Anika needs a few of our own things that Elizabeth cannot claim are her own! The joys of little girls are priceless and extremely fun to be their mommy.