American Girl Kirsten Goes Dutch

American Girl dolls, anyone with a little girl knows about them and all little girls want one.In 1990 when my youngest daughter was 8, the doll she wanted was Kirsten.Pleasant Company introduced us to the first three American Girl dolls, Kirsten, Samantha and Molly in 1986.

When I ordered Kirsten you could only get the dolls through mail order so I placed my order and waited for her to arrive.We would not be dissapointed as she was as beautiful as the pictures in the catalog.American girl dolls are 18" tall, each has a vinyl head, arms, legs and comes with a torso made of a muslin type material.The eyes open and close, and from there each one is different as far as the face, the color of hair, outfit and accessories.

My daughter played with Kirsten for quiet a few years but was always careful to take care of her.We purchaed new outfits and accessories and a new doll named Addy.By the time my daughter started middle school the dolls were packed away and put somewhere in the basement.

Now comes my story of Kirsten's revival this past month.My little niece turned 6 last Friday and all she wanted was an American girl doll.When my sister told me a light bulb went off in my head and I started hunting downstairs and found Kirsten where we had left her 14 years earlier.I knew my sister was hesitant about spending so much money for a doll as her husband is not working.

My daughter cleaned off a few dirty spots, combed and braided Kirsten's hair and she looked as good as new but only had her white nightgown, which we had washed and ironed.As you know I am Dutch so I purchased a Dutch costume at a local shop that made them for the American Girl dolls, found a pair of wooden shoes and Kirsten looked like a little Dutch girl.

As you can see from the picture my niece was thrilled to get the "new and improved" Kirsten.I think this American Girl doll was worth the money I paid 18 years ago as she still looks beautiful and is in great condition for someone her age!