Meet Allie: Koda's Best Friend & Therapy Doll

Several years ago, for her 3rd Christmas, Koda got an 18-inch doll for Christmas. At first, it was "just a doll," but quickly became her best friend and confidant. Koda actually had conversations with Allie, before the rest of us. I would walk into her room and hear her talk to Allie. Today, Allie is a part of our family. My son even decided he wanted a doll (named him Peter, after Peter Parker) so he could play with his sister.

This was especially amazing because Koda didn't talk at all until after she was 3. Conversations with us didn't happen until much later. She has an expressive communication disorder. She still struggles, but I'm amazed at the progress she has made. 

There are so many stories I could share about how wonderful Allie is for Koda. Like in the photo above, her stomach was hurting bad (she has really bad episodes), so she hung out on the couch and watched a movie with Allie. While her stomach was still hurting, she was in much better spirits. 

Allie goes EVERYWHERE with us. I cannot even imagine if she got lost. Sometimes when we are on an adventure, she is okay with leaving Allie in the hotel room, but there are times it is a struggle, but I don't want her to lose her. I had this custom tag made on Etsy (not sponsored) in case there is ever a real issue. That way, there is less question if she wants to carry her along to a concert. 

If you have followed my Instagram, you have seen many images of Allie- playing, traveling, doing school, and even for her first haircut. You have also seen her pitiful head. However, Koda loves her the way she is. The hair of the doll got so tangled and disgusting that we couldn't do anything with it. My mom was going to attempt to attach a wig, and cut the hair off. The wig didn't work (we didn't know then that you could buy a doll wig for these, so she was going to cut down a regular wig). Koda was upset at first, but then eventually loved it. Now, she refuses to put a wig on her. 

I got the story out of her about this. My son was seeing a hematologist for his ITP (which was at the Children's' cancer clinic). She had Allie with her, of course. A little girl going through Chemo came in and she was bald. Koda was drawn to her because her Nina had just gone through Breast Cancer and her hair was just growing back in. The girl seemed uncomfortable, but looked at Allie and got a huge smile on her face. Seeing Koda's bald doll made her so happy. So, Koda wants Allie to stay bald in case she sees more bald kids- she will make them happy. 

Just the other day, I walked in on Koda teaching Allie sight words. It was an awesome sight! 

I have always known that dolls are wonderful learning toys for kids. I just did not realize how much of a difference they can make, especially with a special needs child. 

A little about Koda: Koda was born at 37 weeks and was breech. That may not seem like a big deal, but I didn't know I was pregnant, so I had no prenatal care and could not breastfeed her because I wasn't prepared. She did great as an infant, with some questions about her hearing. At 3, she was tested for autism, and even though she has many of the traits, she is not (many autism therapies work for her though). She was diagnosed with an expressive language disorder, sensory processing disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She also has some hearing loss. Because of her communication disorder, we are having problems with sight testing. She has asthma and an immune deficiency. She is currently being tested to see what is causing extreme stomach pain, chronic constipation, and extreme knee pain. Through all of this, Allie has been her rock. 

Party Time With Sophia's Doll Clothes and Bailey!

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own.

We had some amazing 18" doll items sent for Snapper and Bailey to play with. I've been wanting to get this review up for a while, but it has been crazy around here. I love watching them play, though. They are such a pair and completely inseparable.

At the dentist yesterday... They both love Dr Martin! Bailey always tags along

A post shared by Cari | Chief This Handler💭 (@cari_on) on Jun 14, 2018 at 3:21pm PDT

A post shared by Cari | Chief This Handler💭 (@cari_on) on Jun 14, 2018 at 3:21pm PDT

I had my fair share of dolls as a child, but I have never seen anything like this. I was attached to books constantly. When Snapper "reads," it is to Bailey. I cannot say enough good things about this doll and what she has done with my little princess. Bailey has been the best therapy I could have asked for- even got her talking! Sophia's Doll Clothes has added so much to this that it is hard to explain. Snapper is not very good at pretending. She is better at mimicking behavior.  Her developmental pediatrician said that with help, we can turn her mimicking into pretending. Sophia's is helping with this and helping Snapper step out of her box and play new things. We just have to mix it in with things that she does.

For instance, she helps me bake. So, with the baking set, she can teach Bailey to bake and they can throw a party together. We are working her way up to pretending things she has had no experience with, like new sports, camping, and more.

This time, we were sent a gorgeous table and chair set, a baking set, and a tea party set. These are all absolutely beautiful and well constructed with quality materials. The table and chairs set is beautiful and easy to assemble. The directions are simple and all you need is a screwdriver! It is the perfect size for Snapper to sit at on her knees while playing with Bailey and her stuffed animals and dolls! They cook, eat, have parties, do homework, and play games. It is like a family's table- memories are made there!

Look at that beautiful cake fit for a true princess! This tea party set & dessert items is something every little girl must have. Whether she has an 18" friend or not, it is a must- the doll is an absolute bonus! This set is colorful and has everything your little girl needs to throw the perfect tea party- even a table runner and napkins! Pair this with other food sets for a complete meal. I love how the teapot even fits in her hand! 

The baking accessories set is perfect for little girls who love to be in the kitchen with mom (or dad)! It has everything to bake cookies and cupcakes, even the recipe and ingredients! The sizing of the items is just perfect for little hands helping even smaller (plastic) hands. The mixer even fits her hand! The measuring spoons and mixing spoon are just adorable. 

Look, they even baked me a birthday cake!

Sophia's products are very well made. They stand up to both of my kids playing. Tbomb gets in on the fun quite often! The prices are great and have something for every budget! They fit well with the dolls and can even be mixed up. Your child doesn't have to play with one set, he or she can mix it all up or play with items individually. For example, Bailey always takes her tablet along, even if she doesn't take the rest of the travel items! You will be ecstatic with your decision to buy sets and clothing from Sophia's. (Plus, shipping is free with a $60 purchase)

Doll Therapy: Child-Sized Medical Kit For Dolls

Disclaimer: I received items to review. All opinions are my own.

My daughter's biggest cheerleader is her brother and her best form of therapy is her doll. Bailey is her best friend, goes everywhere with her, talks with her, and is vital to helping Snapper understand and cope with changes and the left hooks life throws at us sometimes. If it weren't or her doll, I believe that she would have an even harder time dealing with her Nina's breast cancer diagnosis and my mother's recent hospitalization.

Bailey even got a port when her Nina did.

Bailey got a port like Nina @melissageorge_paranormalauthor 

A post shared by Cari | Chief This Handler💭 (@cari_on) on Apr 18, 2018 at 8:50am PDT

 To help her cope with all of this and her many visits to the doctor's offices, Sophia's Doll Clothes send Snapper a child-sized medical kit for dolls and an awesome backrest pillow.

I walked in her room the other day and she was sitting at her backrest pillow, with Bailey at hers. Bailey had her lapdesk and Snapper was taking her temperature. Snapper informed me that she was sick. She didn't stay like that long enough for me to take a photo, but it was adorable!

Snapper had to go for her check-up with her regular pediatrician this past week, so naturally, Bailey went along- as did the blood pressure cuff and the syringe. The nurse was so sweet and checked Bailey's vitals- then her doctor even gave Bailey a checkup! Snapper is really shy and is not a fan of checkups, so this really helped.

The set is of high-quality construction and will stand up to lots and lots of play. Even Tbomb can play without breaking it and that is saying something. All of Koda's dolls, stuffed animals, and even the dogs have been getting checkups. I cannot express how much this set has helped her. It really is therapy for her.

The set includes a case that fits everything, stethoscope, otoscope, thermometer, blood pressure cuff, clipboard/ medical record/ pencil, and bandage. Not only is it sized just right for a child to doctor her doll, but I love that it includes a blood pressure cuff when not many sets do.

This is a must-have for all girls!

Is Your Child Stressed? Let Her Imagination Soar

I have been writing a lot about helping children deal with sickness (either theirs or a family member), especially cancer. Well, there is another element to that which spreads across all situations. Stress. Yes, I know that the "old folks" don't believe children get stressed. But, they do. I know this to be a fact because I had a very stressful childhood. Luckily, I can pick up on the hints in my own children. They get stressed too, especially now- watching their Nina be so sick. They worry about her so much because they are so close to her.

Besides talking with your children, I believe one of the best ways to help them in stressful situations is to encourage them to use their imaginations. This isn't easy for all children. My son has a wonderful imagination, which he uses while he is drawing, reading, playing minecraft, playing outside, playing inside, and even riding in a car. Because of Snapper's problems, imagination is a little harder for her. I think it is a combination of her communication and anxiety disorders, but I am not a child psychiatrist.

The best way I have found to help her imagine, besides books, is her doll. There are several ways to help your children with 18" dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, My Life As, Sophia's, Gotz, etc). I started snapper out with trying to get her playsets that were similar to what she does. She has school stuff, outside stuff, and even a backpack, water bottle, and tablet to take with her. From there, I started getting her things that were like other people. Her Nina is an author, so I got her glasses like she wears and a laptop. Her dad likes to play XBox, so I got her a controller, etc. From there, she started playing with other things she likes, like a horse for her doll, cooking things, and snorkeling toys. Whenever we are doing something new, Bailey gets something to help ease Snapper into something different.

Right now, we are working on imagining things that are not in everyday life, like fairy tales and the like. I wanted to share some things that will help. Gotz and Pottery Barn Kids teamed up and created some amazing products that will help your little girl go outside the box. I hope these things from Pottery Barn Kids will help your little girl.

Not only do they have perfect items for a fairy tale playtime, but they have amazing carriers, outfits, furniture, and accessories to make any little girl gush with excitement!

DIY Doll Nunchucks

I'm always trying to find new things to make for the kids' dolls. I try to think of things they enjoy doing and they have to make their dolls like them, especially snapper. She has stuff for "Bailey" to be like her nina (I even gave her a port since her Nina is going through chemo). They are learning to use nunchucks with rubber ones and love learning martial arts with their papa. I thought they would love for their dolls to have a set too, and I was right. I made these, and they were so very simple- and the kids love to play with them.

This is seriously the easiest doll project I have done. All you need is a shoestring and duct tape. Cut the shoestring at about 5 inches and wrap each end in duct tape. Easy Peasy. I made a green set and a pink set, but you can do it with any color/ pattern combination! 

Doll Therapy With Our Generation

I have mentioned before about my daughter's doll, Bailey, being a wonderful therapy tool for her. This isn't just for her "conditions," but also for everyday life and for things that come along, like sickness, new experiences, and so much more.

With my MIL going through chemo, I've been doing a lot with Bailey to help Snapper understand and not be scared. She even had an infusion Tuesday after her Nina's chemo. I think it helped Snapper understand more, seeing what Nina is going through.

My cousin's daughter also recently had to stay overnight in the hospital with her doll and it helped. I also have a nephew arriving in June (Yay!). Another thing is that Snapper is going to have to be tested for diabetes along with other things to see what is going on with her poor little jittery body.

So, as you can imagine, I have been thinking a lot about ways to help children who are going to have to be in the hospital, have a family member going through a sickness, or that are going through a sickness themselves. My advice- girl or boy, get them a doll best friend. It will help- even if they need someone to talk to- their doll will always listen.

Here is Bailey with her port:

Bailey got a port like Nina @melissageorge_paranormalauthor

A post shared by Cari | Chief This Handler💭 (@cari_on) on Apr 18, 2018 at 8:50am PDT

I will be sharing products, ideas, and DIYS to help children get through these tough situations. I'm starting with Our Generation!

Going My Way Doll Carrier


This carrier can ensure that your child has a safe place to keep their doll. It has backpack straps, a carry handle, and plentyof storage for what that doll just has to have. It has a strap to keep the doll secure and even a window so your little girl can see her pretty face!

Polka Dot Sleepover Set


Is your daughter or son nervous about the next day, having to stay in the hospital, Are you having to go out of town to visit sick family or to get treatments? This sleepover set will make it fun for your child and what is more fun that a sleepover? Overnight bag, sleeping bag, pillow, curiling iron, straightening iron, phone/ earphones, toothbrush, toothpaste, 2 slices of pizza, 2 dishes

Sick At Home Accessory Set


This doesn't need much explanation, but I also think that this may be something just to have on hand for all kids- for those sick days. Toy tissue box, bed tray, tea and honey, soup, a hot water bottle, thermometer, blanket, activity book and a pencil.

Well Traveled Luggage Set


This is a beatiful set that would be perfect for traveling, or staying in a hospital (even a hot meal!). This has everything that a doll needs to be comfortable away from home. If a family member has to travel for treatments, your little girl can be packing her doll as well! Suitcase, travel pillow, luggage tag, camera, toiletry case, toothbrush, toiletries, pen, activity book, travel documents, snacks, hot meal, and more. 

I hope this gives you ideas on how to help your child(ren) through a hard time.

Get Ready For Travel With Sophia's Doll Clothes

Disclaimer: I received items to review. All opinions are my own.

When it comes to travel, camping, and being away from home, a must-have for our family is to have items for Snapper's doll to go with us as well. Sometimes Tbomb likes to take his doll along as well. From Sophias, your daughter and her friend can have everything they need for adventure time. We absolutely love the suitcase and travel seat, the clip-on chair, and the picnic set (as well as the wonderful Coleman camping gear items). They also offer a variety of doll carriers, a seat that snaps on a suitcase,  a puppy carrier, and even clothing that is perfect for travel!



Again, this chair is made of high-quality materials and construction, One cool thing I noticed is that dirt actually can be brushed off really easily, which is always a win! This chair's arms are adjustable for a snug fit on a variety of tables. Plus, the design is just adorable. I love that it looks like a crown- perfect or the little princess in your life. Why not let your little girl have crafts, makeup time, lunch, and more with her best friend. It can even double as a car seat and go into restaurants with her. Don't forget that picnic set and milkshake so her doll can eat as well.

This chair is perfect for taking a summertime break, especially after swimming!

Get Outside With Sophia's Doll Clothes And Accessories

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own.

At this time of year, I'll take anything to get the kids out of the closed up house and in the spring air. Of course, Snapper takes her "Bailey" everywhere, even outside. So, finding outside toys for her doll is a must-have and it never hurts to have some extra outside toys to let your little girl have extra fun outside.

Sophia's has a ton of playsets that are perfect for outdoors and sports. They have a ton of doll camping supplies and medical supplies. They also have scooters, snowboarding, sports sets, beach sets, swimming, and picnic supplies. If it is something your daughter or son enjoy doing, they have something complimentary.

As always, these toys are made with quality materials and with great construction. This scooter set was easy to put together and has stood up to plenty of play with my rough kiddos. Snapper loves riding "Bailey" around on it before they get on her tricycle and go for a spin. She just puts Bailey in her seat with helmet on and puts the scooter in the back for another adventure (it fits in the back of the 4x4 as well). This set will insure hours of play with your little girl and her friends.

Look how much fun Snapper and Bailey are having!

It's All About The (Doll) Shoes: Sophia's Doll Clothing and Accessories

Disclaimer: I received items to review. All opinions are my own.

As I have mentioned, Snapper's 18-inch-doll is a perfect therapy tool for her. Part of using it for therapy though means that finding items that match her and that are accessories that go along with her adventures is vital. I had been searching for tennis shoes for her doll because she doesn't like wearing tennis shoes (so it would encourage her to wear them) and for some doll water shoes, because that is all she wants to wear in the summer.

Sophia's has an amazing selection of doll sneakers. There will definitely be some that your son or daughter will love. I love that I finally found a pair that do not tie because we are always losing doll shoestrings. However, if you are trying to teach your child to tie shoes, some that tie may be just perfect!

Sophia's also has a wonderful selection of sports shoes, including these water shoes. They also have golf shoes, ballet slippers, and soccer cleats. I love these because the only shoes I can get Snapper to leave on in the summer is water shoes, so these are just what her doll needed. 

All of Sophia's doll shoes, along with all their other items, are made with very high-quality materials and construction. They are also easy for children to use. Most of the other doll shoes we have, Snapper has to bring to me to put on, but with these, she can do them herself. I'm always impressed with Sophia's and their shoes are no different.

Doesn't Bailey look cute taking a break from learning to dive in those shoes?

10 Easy Doll DIYs and Hacks

I love finding new things to make for the kids' dolls. I also love it when I find something perfect that works for them, but takes no work on my part besides buying it!

Warning: most of these are so simple that it is utterly ridiculous!

1. Use 2 chenille stems (pipe cleaners) to make a hula hoop. Just twist them together and then connect. You can also use them to make a star for a tree, flowers, wands, and more for your dolls. 

2. A pretty wooden step stool makes a great table.

3. Shop dollar stores for playsets. Most of these are actually doll-size. I have found cooking items, food, binoculars, walkie-talkies, and even trays for Snapper's doll. 

4. Hat hairpins (fascinators) that are often found around the holidays are perfect for a doll hat. 

5. Shop keychains. I made the dolls easter baskets just by shopping for keychains- cameras, bibles, cookies, game controllers, and more. 

6. Often, you can find food shaped erasers that are the perfect size. 

7. Make a doll quiver out of a Pringles can, duct tape, and ribbon. 

8. Party favor packs found at retailers and dollar stores contain mini items that work for dolls as well. 

9. Make a doll apron out of a piece of felt and a ribbon. 

10. I think the favorite thing I've made the kids for their dolls is their sleeping bag. I just took a piece of a felt blanket (found for $2.50 at Wal-Mart), folded it, and tied it like those craft fleece pillows and blankets. They love them and their dolls always sleep in them. I used tie-died for one and camo for the other. 

What simple ideas for dolls have you found that work well? 

Its A Doll's Christmas Eve with Sophia's Doll Clothes and Accessories

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.

Isn't this the most beautiful packaging ever? I just love that signature pink stripe and they always arrange their items in the package the most beautiful way possible. The Warm Your Heart Set has definitely been a winner.

I just thought this would be the most beautiful thing for a Christmas Eve, just because, or even an elf could surprise the kiddos with this. Once we opened it (yes, Christopher Popinkins brought it), I divided it up between the kids. Tbomb got the red/ dark and Snapper got the pink and white. It worked out perfectly and they are so excited to have their Christmas Eve hot cocoa with their dolls this year!

Somehow between opening the package, letting them play with it, and being ready to take pictures, the kids managed to lose some of the pieces. Part of being a kid! I'm sure they are mixed in with some of the other doll stuff they have.

Aren't these pieces just perfect? Allie has her jammies on and is waiting to get set up for Christmas eve with Snapper, Tbomb, and Peter. 

I also want to stress the quality of these items. They can withstand play, which is something that many of the doll accessory companies cannot provide. My kids have played and played with Sophia's items and have yet to break any of them, which is really saying something, especially with the shape that Allie is in!

Sophia's Doll Clothes & Accessories: Beautiful Christmas Gifts To Encourage Creative Play

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own.

Can't you imagine packing that 4x4 beach cruiser up with camping gear and going off on an adventure? The Coleman gift sets from Sophia's make beautiful gifts and encourage kids to play and use their imaginations. 

Sophia's offers a variety of Coleman camping accessories, including a sleeping bag, tent, lantern, camp stove, and cooler. 

This camp stove set from Sophia's and Coleman is perfect to take along on a camping trip to entertain the kiddos or for them to play camping or even survival at home. Wouldn't it be fun to set up a campground for the dolls?

It comes with the cook stove. It really is a miniature Coleman stove, just like the one we have for camping! It even lights up to make it look like it is really cooking. This is an awesome toy set that I know my kids will play with for hours. Tbomb and Peter will love it. Also included are a grilled cheese, hamburger, eggs, bacon, spatula, and iron frying pan (not really iron, just looks). The stove comes is available green or purple.

Check out this beautiful sleeping bag and lantern set from Coleman and Sophia's. It looks just like a mini one that we would use. I love the mini stuff- it is just adorable! Your little girl can sleep good camping knowing that her doll is just as warm and snuggly as she is in her sleeping bag. Instant bed and covers. What a winner. The lantern is beautiful and even works. Plus, it is pink! It is a must-have addition to your doll's accessories!

Number One Christmas Gift: Sophia's 4X4 Beach Cruiser

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own. I truly do love this company and buy their products myself.

  

This is the 4x4 Beach Cruiser from Sophia's Doll Clothes. Isn't it beautiful? I am in love with it and want one my size! Maybe I can arrange that one day! I love the little details on this jeep. The wheels and headlights have adorable lights. The windshield wipers even move. How amazing is that? This is plenty big enough for 2 dolls in the front and another in the back. Pets can even tag along with this one. What is a trip to the beach or camping without your favorite 4-legged friend?!

The wheels are hard plastic, making them perfect for driving around in the yard. The mud doesn't get stuck in them like it would with rubber wheels and huge traction. It is also very easy to put the dolls in the car.

This is how the cruiser arrives in the box. Seriously, no big deal. I didn't even have the hubby put it together. There are two screws to connect the roll-bars to the windshield and then it just pops in to place. Easiest toy I have ever assembled (and I have assembled lots of toys and car-seats!)

Aren't Allie, Peter, and Scout adorable taking a trip to the beach? I am in love with this cruiser, probably more than the kids.

Allie is showing some school spirit with this gorgeous owl shirt and khaki shorts from Sophia's. I love all of their owl stuff. We are Owl Creek Academy, so the owls are so perfect. Plus, Snapper just loves owls in general. This lunch box is just too much! It is absolutely adorable and Snapper knew just what she would do with it. She has been putting a lunch in Allie's backpack when they play outside or when we go to the park. Now, she can put it in her owl lunch box. It matches perfectly with the travel set as well. I know there are going to be a ton of adventures with Sophia's.

Imagine a surfboard, tent, and so much more in the back of this cruiser so the dolls can have a ton of adventure. I know Snapper will be insisting it go camping with us as well!