American Girls

Recently I've experienced a resurgence of my obsession with American Girl dolls. It all started when I began researching a birthday gift for a dear little one who LOVES American Girls. Kyle and I went to go purchase my selection this week at the (relatively) new American Girl store next to the Galleria. (yes, I made my husband spend his Thursday night at a doll store. The things he does for me....). I had wanted to go check it out for a while now and this seemed like the perfect opportunity! Let's just say, this store is not just a store. It's an experience. It reminded me of a history museum, as each American Girl is showcased in huge glass cases while wearing her various ornate outfits and posed in party, school, play scenes, etc. Meanwhile, a large flat screen TV continually plays a DVD of each girls' history. And don't worry, you can buy matching outfits for both girl and doll. My favorite part is the bistro upstairs, at which you can select one of maybe sixty American Girl dolls to accompany you at the table during your meal. The American Girl company has certainly made quite a leap since I was little. What is now American Girl used to be Pleasant Company, who was founded and debuted three historical dolls, Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly in 1986. (They are representative of pioneers, the Victorian period, and World War II, respectively). It was love at first sight when we got a catalog in the mail when I was about four years old. And as soon as I spotted Kirsten, I knew she was the one for me. I used to sit on my Dad's lap for hours reading him the catalog and dreaming about the day when she could be mine! I recently found my "Meet Kirsten" book (the one that comes with each doll), on which the front page reads: "Belongs To: Christie Roman Date: 12-25-90" So Christmas Day of 1990 was the day I brought the first love of my little life home. I have had her nearly 20 years and I must say, she is still in almost perfect condition. I have so many memories with her, including a tea party and a birthday party in which my friends each brought their dolls. Here's some more interesting facts: 1991 - Felicity joined the collection 1993 - Addy introduced 1995 - American Girls of today introduced* 1997 - Josefina introduced 1999 - Amelia joins the American Girl family. I have no clue who she is. Anyone know?? 2000 - Kit introduced *These are now called Just Like You dolls. The idea behind them is that you choose a doll that looks like you. Obviously. Mine has green eyes and red hair. Hmmm. Maybe I was having premonitions of my future sister, Rachel??? Sadly, Samantha will soon be discontinued and placed in the American Girl Archives. She will no longer be available for purchase, so hold onto yours...definitely a collectors item! She was so many of my friends' favorite! When I asked an employee at the American Girl store why she was being discontinued, she replied with, "No, we do not know the date, ma'am." Hmmm. Needless to say, I'm still on a search for a better answer. Also, there is now a Girl of the Year. The first one debuted in 2000, and each Girl of the Year is available for that year only. What will they think of next? It's brilliant, really. What a fun, real way to teach little girls about history. Through books and elaborate period clothing, little girls can truly learn how people lived in the past in a way that makes it relevant to their lives today. I told Kyle that this should be a dream come true for a history buff like himself, and that our daughter should have at least five. We'll see how far I get with that. :-)