"MY MERMAID BROKE AND I WANT A NEW ONE!"
When she was finally able to show me the broken mermaid, I saw that Ariels, um, bra had busted a seam.
"Oh, honey, it's okay. Mommy can fix it."
"I DON'T WANT YOU TO FIX IT! I WANT GRANDMA TO GET ME A NEW ONE!"
So after many reassurances that we would try to replace the doll (meaning I would fix it without her knowledge), she settled down. I took it with me to my sewing room, but before I could get started on it, I heard crying coming from their room. Assuming it was Devon, again overcome with grief for the little mermaid, I went back down. It was Harper.
I couldn't help myself.
"Aw, honey. Did you break your mermaid?"
(giggle) "NO! I was remembering this bad dream I had. And I was in this castle...and the Wizard of Oz... he...he..."
"He broke your mermaid?"
Now she's giggling hysterically. "No!"
All three girls were having giggle fits by this time. I'm so glad they appreciate my sense of humor.
And Mermaid? All better.