Unconditional Love

It amazes me that this trait is something learned so young. I was watching MaKenna play with her dolls last night and she brought me a baby doll she has had since she was 3 years old. She wanted the doll long before Christmas. It was a Strawberry Shortcake Baby Doll. The doll was even Strawberry scented. Every time we went to  Wal- Mart she asked for "Strawberry Baby." It seemed almost cruel to make her wait until Christmas, but we did. That morning when she opened that present I couldn't have been more happier with the smile on her face.

Nearly 3 years later she still has that doll, and like most well loved dolls she is very worn. Her hair is matted and she has had her make up done with markers. Her feet are marked with and M and a D for her first and last name. I think she stole that idea from Andy! (Toy Story) Her clothes are starting to peel and to look at her as a REAL mom I want to toss her. But My daughter's love for her won't let me.

She (Strawberry baby) is still one of her top picks when she pulls out her babies to play. She probably has a dozen dolls, but for some reason she always pulls that one out. Poor pitiful Strawberry baby has seen better days but MaKenna still loves her like the day she opened her. It reminds me that although she is a little momma she is learning to love, and what would I be teaching her by throwing away her baby just because she is worn, dirty, and has crazy hair. I know she would get over it and move on to another doll, probably a much cleaner, cuter doll. But to me its the principle. Some children would be happy to have Strawberry Baby and so why shouldn't I be happy for my daughter to still love her unconditionally after 3 years have passed.