American Girl

So last November or so, American Girl so lovingly sent us a catalog.  Without thinking through the consequences of my actions, I naively let Olivia take a look.  She was instantly hooked.  She wanted one and wanted one badly.  From that point, she had a plan: she would ask for "Emily" for Christmas, "Molly" for her birthday and then "Caroline" for the next Christmas.  Well, she followed through and we obliged.  They were the only things she ever asked for. 

Olivia is a collector and she likes to have complete sets, she always has.  She gets on the American Girl website (admittedly another HUGE mistake on my part) and wants to see what all goes with Molly and Emily.  She has gotten some outfits along the way from family and friends, but there was a lot we were missing.  In July, I found out that Molly and Emily were being discontinued.  GREAT!  My "complete set, super collecting girl" knew exactly what outfits and accessories we were still lacking.  Knowing she would remember what all we didn't have, I went and bought almost all of it.  I didn't get a couple items, like the $20 saddle shoes that I never heard her talk about and I drew the line at the $40 lunch box, even though I heard her talk about it.  Fingers crossed she won't notice.  Yes, I have issues and I admit it.  BUT, we are not giving it all to her this Christmas.  I will take it all with us and give it to her along the way, over the next couple of years.  I bought it over several trips and put it in a closet.  One day I got it all out and realized how ridiculous it was!