An All "American Girl"

When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with the American Girl Dolls. There were only three of them when I first started collecting: Samantha, Molly, and Kirsten. They expanded the line to six dolls while I was still collecting with the additions of: Addie, Felicity and the doll that looked like its owner. I LOVED these dolls and owned five out of the six that were available as a little girl. I got so excited each time the new catalogue came in the mail. I'd thumb through and pick out the items I wanted for each doll.

Over the years, my love for these dolls didn't fade. Even though I was too "old" to play with them, I still got excited flipping through the magazine when I came across one (you know, just to see what was new). When I was in either college or grad school, a made for TV movie about Samantha came out. I didn't watch it, but my cousins and I got a little nostalgic talking about it when it was advertised. These dolls were my favorite play things growing up.

Needless to say, when we moved to Chicago, one of the things on the top of my "to do" list was visit the American Girl Doll Place.  There are only three of these stores and the flagship store is in Chicago on Michigan Ave. I was about to burst with excitement when I finally walked through the doors (your dad probably saw a side of me he'd never seen before! he was a trooper!). I was ready to introduce you to this wonderful world. I had fun showing you all the original dolls and we had fun looking at all the new dolls together (whoa, there are a ton!).

The store is two stories. The bottom floor has all the dolls and their accessories on display. The second floor has a salon for the dolls, a doll hospital (I actually sent my Molly to the hospital when I was little), an ice cream parlor and my very favorite thing a cafe. This cafe was amazing! There were tons of little girls toting their dolls in the doors. Each table had special "high chairs" for the dolls to sit in and enjoy lunch with their owners. It was crazy! I will definitely take you there when you're older.

Over the years, the company has come out with a collection called "Bitty Babies." They are appropriate for your age and up. Since you're still too small for me to hand down my dolls, we got you a Bitty Baby. I couldn't be more excited!!!! We couldn't leave without getting you something of your very own. We picked one out that looked like you and named her "Kate" from your middle name. We hope you and Kate have many exciting adventures together in the years to come!