• ABOUT ME
    • PRIVACY & COOKIE POLICY
  • J9 DESIGNS
  • PUBLISHED HERE
  • SPONSORS & REVIEWS
  • SHOP
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

This Mom's Confessions

  • COUPONS & OFFERS
  • CRAFTS
  • DISNEY
  • LIFESTYLE
    • GOODREADS
    • BEAUTY
    • FASHION
  • PARENTING
  • PETS
  • RECIPES
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Cookies
    • Desserts
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Ice Cream Recipes
    • Kid Friendly Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes

By Janine

The Day The Doll Carriage Died…

Filed Under: Being a mom, BLOG, Blog Hop, Family Life, Nostalgia, parenting Tagged With: Being a Mom, Nostalgia, Who I Am Project

“Can you please write a note to my teacher, so that I am not having to go outside and freeze today like yesterday?”

In that moment, I would have walked through the freezing tundra or the burning 7th layer of hell to make sure my girl was ok.

Because that is what a mother simply does.

Just hearing the anguish in my daughter’s voice and her pleas was enough to make me take action.

I can say without a doubt I am not the mom, who phones the school for every little thing and takes a lot for me to pull that trigger.

Back to School 2015

I also try my best to not be a helicopter parent by any means for the most part by letting my girls experience all they can at their own pace.

But still, I did just that once she got on the bus and departed for school as I felt a note wouldn’t suffice.

I needed to be heard, to be her voice, as well as advocate and also plain wanted to make sure that not just actual temperature degree number was all that was the determining factor for outdoor recess at our local school, but that wind chill and real feel temperature is indeed considered.

So, I phoned and thankfully all was well that ended well on this with that one simple phone call.

But I am getting a bit off track, as the thought I want to convey most to both my girls is I always wanted to be a mother even long before my kids were mere twinkles and stardust in my eyes.

So, of course, I would do whatever I had to in my power to keep them safe, happy and without worry if it is in my power.

pinkfade

See a long time ago, in a far off place, I was a little girl just as both of mine are with my own hopes, dreams, needs and wants.

I was also the little girl, who played with all sorts of dolls, especially baby dolls which found me daydreaming often enough of what my own real life baby would be like someday.

I was very loving and gentle with my baby dolls as any good, little, girl, pretend mother should be.

Oh who am I fooling as that is the furthest from the truth back almost 36 years ago.

See my parents always tell the story from my second Christmas, I was gifted a baby doll and carriage from my grandparents.  

Me at almost 2 years old with Doll Carriage

With my brand new doll carriage back in the day…

My family all thought it was so cute how I seemed enthralled with my newest gift.  That was right up until, I wheeled said carriage with baby doll seated intact into the wall.

I am pretty sure, they thought it was just accident the first time.

But then, I did it again and then again and still again!

You get the idea as I just kept ramming this carriage with the doll seated in it into the wall over and over.

No matter what I was told, I just kept doing it.

One day after, on December 26th, that little doll carriage sat on the curb in front of our then home to be picked up by the NYC sanitation crew. Still there is photographic evidence that this carriage existed, believe it or not as witnessed from the above photo and one more for good measure below, too.

Me and my doll carriage from Christmas past

See I swear it did exist!

But, you guessed it.

My little girl toddler self destroyed that doll carriage in less than 24 hours!

Not sure what happened to that baby doll though, but I totally demolished her doll carriage with very little effort.

All I can say that this little girl (me, of course) did eventually grow up and the motherly instinct did come with it–thankfully for my girls otherwise they may not have survived their own carriage days!

But still they most certainly did and seriously like I said earlier, I would most certainly do everything I could to keep them from harm’s way now unlike that little girl back in the day as their mother now–always.

I also pretty certain my girls do indeed know this as just this past weekend, my older daughter actually told me at bedtime happily, “You are the very best mom I could have ever asked for,” and then proceeded to give me the biggest and tightest hug.

In that moment, I felt as warm and loved as I ever have.  Trust me though that not all moments here are that grand or momentous, but for all the insane, crazy and even mundane instances here makes being a mom it all worth it when all is said and done.

What do you remember from your childhood? #WhoIAm @Linkouture @KissMyList

Click To Tweet

*This story was retold for the Who I Am Project with Dana of Kiss My List and Bev of Linkouture, where I retold one of my favorite tales that I have heard over and over from my family from when I was a kid.

Signature 2015

Related Posts

  • 10 Simple Steps When Moms Lose Their Cool10 Simple Steps When Moms Lose Their Cool
  • The Top 10 Things You Should Never Say to A MomThe Top 10 Things You Should Never Say to A Mom
  • Forgetful Me Strikes AgainForgetful Me Strikes Again
  • Crayons and The Pink Girl Lives OnCrayons and The Pink Girl Lives On

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Email
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit

Sharing is caring!

  • Share33
  • Tweet

About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bev says

    January 19, 2016 at 6:52 am

    Oh, how funny! You were just so excited about your new doll and carriage you couldn’t contain it 😉 Despite how you may have treated your doll as a small child, you are such a loving and caring mom. I think we all learn a thing or two since our childhood! Thanks for sharing your story with us.

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 7:11 am

      Aw,thanks Bev and definitely had more than a few things I needed to learn from childhood and in fact still learning. But loved sharing this tory here today and thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so! 🙂

  2. Kathy Radigan says

    January 19, 2016 at 6:54 am

    I love this!! Thankfully we are not judged as moms by how we were as girls because I had a habit of leaving my dolls out in the rain!! Your girls are very lucky to have you as their mom. xoxo

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 7:12 am

      Thanks so much always Kathy and definitely wasn’t always the best in the way I apparently treated my dolls and glad it wasn’t just me though!! 🙂

  3. Chrissy Petti- Volpe says

    January 19, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    I laughed so hard through a few parts of this. Your daughters are the precious little gems they are because of you! You are such a good mom; they are very lucky. (Btw….Bella this morning “Mommy, we better not go out today).

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 19, 2016 at 1:22 pm

      Bella and Lily sound so much alike and she just said the same thing to me literally 5 minutes ago. Thank you always Chrissy xoxo <3

    • Chrissy Petti- Volpe says

      January 19, 2016 at 3:27 pm

      Bella and Lily are two peas in a pod

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 19, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      Omg, they really are!!! 🙂

  4. Meredith Spidel says

    January 19, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    This looks so sweet! Headed over to read now!

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 19, 2016 at 1:22 pm

      Aw, thanks again always Meredith xoxo <3

  5. Rea says

    January 19, 2016 at 7:22 am

    You have quite a lot of photos of you when you were still a little girl. 😉 I’m sure you’re a wonderful mom Janine. We aren’t perfect but our kids love us!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 7:25 am

      Agreed Rea and thank god even though I am not perfect by any means they do still very much love me 😉

  6. Allie says

    January 19, 2016 at 7:34 am

    But why did you destroy the carriage? Just curious! I bet you are, too. And the picture of you is so flippin adorable! And I’m sure your parents will love reading this post. Can you imagine if we had the internet back then, and your parents had filmed you banging the carriage? You’d be a You-Tube star!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 8:06 am

      Allie, there is the 64,000 question!! Seriously though, me as YouTube star LOL! And can’t wait for my parents to see this one!! 😉

  7. Meredith says

    January 19, 2016 at 7:48 am

    I am dying! This is so funny. And yes, thankful you sorted that instinct to ram the carriage to destruction before your real babies entered the world 😉 LOVE IT!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 8:06 am

      Aw, thanks and I know thank god for small favors at the very least!! 🙂

  8. Seana Turner says

    January 19, 2016 at 7:53 am

    Yes, those words and the hug really do make it all worth it. Words of affirmation still mean everything to me, even with my girls all grown up. That is so funny that you trashed the carriage! I remember my girls wanted to just sit inside and read or talk during recess, but were never allowed to. We were probably the only family on earth who was happy when we hit middle school and didn’t have to go out for recess anymore!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 8:07 am

      Sean, as much as I dread middle school, I will be happier when they don’t have to go out in the winter time for recess here either!

  9. Erin Dwyer Dymowski says

    January 19, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    Yes!!! So funny.

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 19, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      Aw, thanks Erin 🙂

  10. Kathy Radigan says

    January 19, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    I loved this!!!! And I’m glad I turned out to be a better mom than my doll playing self considering that I tended to leave my dolls outside overnight in the rain! Lol!

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 19, 2016 at 1:58 pm

      Aw, me too Kathy, because god help my kids if I didn’t!! LOL 😉

  11. Dara says

    January 19, 2016 at 8:45 am

    That’s a funny story. When Gabbie was a baby she had a little baby doll and she used to bash its head into her high chair tray. We would laugh about her motherly instincts!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:11 am

      Aw, sounds like Gabbie and I have quite a bit in common from our younger days! 🙂

  12. James Oliver, Jr. (@jamesoliverjr) says

    January 19, 2016 at 8:47 am

    You had me with the complaint about playing in the cold.

    Here in WI, they take the kids out to play as long as it’s not colder than 20 degrees. 20 degrees! Who the hell wants to go out and play when it’s 20 degrees outside?!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 8:48 am

      I know seriously 20 degrees is cold and not sure who would go out to play in 20 degrees here either!!

  13. Chris Carter says

    January 19, 2016 at 9:12 am

    OH gosh that story is hilarious!!! I wonder what was going through that little head of yours, ya know? LOL I’m not surprised this story gets told often, Janine!!

    And I love how much your girls adore you and how you protect them and keep them safe!! Oh, do I get it!!

    I SO need to do this link up of Dana’s, I just love the idea behind it… I totally forgot about it! Shame on me. 🙁

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:18 am

      Not too late Chris and hope you will add to this link and can’t see what you will come up with if you do. And thanks always my sweet friend!! 🙂

  14. Christine Carter says

    January 19, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    That memory is TOO FUNNY!! And oh, how I adore your mama heart! <3

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 19, 2016 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you again Christine and you know I just adore you so much, too!! <3

  15. Bill says

    January 19, 2016 at 9:48 am

    Great story about the baby carriage….my goodness you were destructive. lol Thanks for bringing a smile to my face this morning…Happy Tuesday, Janine!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:51 am

      Aw, so glad this brought a smile to your face and Iknow I was pretty darn destructive in my younger days though! Happy Tuesday to you, too Bill 🙂

  16. Jessica McNeill Azar says

    January 19, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    You have the best stories 🙂 And I LOVE IT when something happens with my kids that triggers a good memory for me.

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 19, 2016 at 3:01 pm

      Cannot say thank you enough for your comment here and I really do love when my kids remind me of something from my past, too 🙂 <3

  17. Britta Eberle says

    January 19, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    Loved this!!

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 19, 2016 at 3:02 pm

      Thanks Britta 🙂

  18. Stephanie says

    January 19, 2016 at 11:24 am

    I actually laughed out loud because your 2 year-old “mommy” is so exactly the opposite of who you are now. Thank goodness, right? Good story Janine!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 1:03 pm

      Aw, thanks Stephanie and I know thank goodness, indeed!! 🙂

  19. Julia Tomiak says

    January 19, 2016 at 11:52 am

    This is hilarious! My daughter liked to strip her Barbies naked and tie their hands behind their backs… hopefully she’ll outgrow such behavior just as you grew out of your carriage bashing. (Of course, she already has. 😉 ) Thanks for sharing your story… I found you via Dana’s blog.

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 1:04 pm

      Aw, my pleasure sharing and if there was hope for me, then there is definitely hope for your little one, too!! 🙂

  20. Kathryn Leehane says

    January 19, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    I laughed so hard at the image of you doing that. I used to dismember my dolls–fortunately I outgrew that. 😉

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 19, 2016 at 5:37 pm

      I am so glad I gave you a good laugh today and I also cut my Barbie Dolls’ hair back in the day if that counts for anything, too!! 🙂

  21. Kenya G. Johnson says

    January 19, 2016 at 1:01 pm

    LOL I wasn’t a mothering doll owner either. There’s one that my mom said I banged around so much until her head came off. It was one of those dolls that had a cloth body so it couldn’t simply be reattached. So I was told I did actually love the doll and just carried the head around after that. I was regifted another one of the exact same kind and took better care of her. There is a cute picture of me “feeding” her with one of those little plastic bottles. I’ll have to find it and see if that was “the” doll.

    I write notes for Christopher in the spring to give him the option to go to the library because of the pollen.

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 1:04 pm

      OK, now I so want to see that photo and if you find it, you have to share (please!!). Looks like we have more in common though then we ever knew still!! 🙂

  22. Dana says

    January 19, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    I would never have pegged you for a baby carriage basher, Janine! I bet your girls would love to hear this story.

    I’ll confess that I tore the eyebrows off of my stuffed doggie (which was my mother’s prize toy as a kid), because I thought they made him look too sad. I also popped the heads off of my Barbies, but I’ve outgrown my destructive tendencies! Thank you for joining us, Janine!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 2:48 pm

      Aw, so happy I could join you and seriously had so much fun recalling this and sharing it here today. So thank you for hosting once again!! 🙂

  23. Jen says

    January 19, 2016 at 2:46 pm

    Oh that story and that cute little Janine picture! What a doll you are even as a doll carriage destroying machine! My kids have wrecked more things within hours of getting them than I can even count. As toddlers I forgive them, when they are older…. it takes a bit. Thanks for sharing this story and that freezing note story. Eeek!!!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      Aw, happy to share here and honestly like I said to Dana had fun recalling this tale from my childhood here!! 🙂

  24. Jack says

    January 19, 2016 at 2:46 pm

    I love stories like that, they add color and texture. Very funny too.

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      Thanks Jack and I agree about these types of stories and hope to share some more soon now still!! 🙂

  25. Gingi says

    January 19, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    I have some old toys that I have trashed, and my parents and I have actually joked about my childish maternal love causing broken dolls.. haha!! And I get what you mean about not wanting to be a helicopter mom, but you HAVE TO take care of your girls!! Great post as always. –

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      Going, you guess I was a bit destructive, too with toys as a kid, but you are so right as a mom have to take care of my girls totally. Thank you always!! 🙂

      • Gingi says

        January 21, 2016 at 5:07 pm

        I think kids as a general rule are crazy destructive, but it is especially hilarious when they are being destructive in a maternal way.. lol! 😉

      • Janine says

        January 21, 2016 at 5:07 pm

        I agree totally, Gingi!! 🙂

  26. Diane Roark says

    January 19, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    Janine,

    I hope you are never to hard on yourself. You are a great mom. I read it in every post your write not to mention that is why work from your home.
    When something is important to your children, it is extremely important to you. I know that is true with me too.
    Many many blessings,
    Diane

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 4:30 pm

      Aw, so much love and hugs Diane as I honestly appreciate your kind words here and your friendship always, too!! 🙂

  27. Ducks 'n a Row says

    January 19, 2016 at 5:27 pm

    So I’m not the only one who, as a little girl, wasn’t enamored with baby dolls! Phew! I thought there was something wrong with me 🙂 My baby dolls – of which there were few – were neglected. Now, plush toys – especially dogs and bears – they had my full attention. Even when I got a Barbie doll it was because I loved her clothes. I had no interested in playing with Barbies. I wanted to BE Barbie! LOL

    We both turned out to be loving, nurturing moms — who would have guessed!
    SInea ♥

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 5:31 pm

      Aw, love that we have this in common and I know who would have guessed it!! <3

  28. Mo at Mocadeaux says

    January 19, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    Perhaps you were playing the role of safety engineer – you know, testing how the carriage would perform in a crash? And another and another and another? Hilarious! It is amazing to think back at some of the things we did as children that seem so wacky to our adult selves! Like Dana, my sister and I constantly popped the heads off of our Barbie dolls but we took it a step further by making slits in their necks so the heads would pop off and on more easily. Veeerrrryyy disturbing….

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 5:59 pm

      Aw, man I totally just pictured that with their heads now! But seriously, we definitely had some interesting times it would seem all around! 😉

  29. Marilyn says

    January 19, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    Thanks for that great story. Just think if you had taken care of that carriage your girls would of had something to play with from your childhood., though I do not think any of us have too many toys from our childhood. Your girls are adorable and lovely young ladies. I love reading about you and them.
    Marilyn

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 6:51 pm

      Aw, thank you Marilyn and would have been something though to indeed still have that carriage for my girls to play with.

  30. Alison Tedford says

    January 20, 2016 at 12:02 am

    You are a great storyteller!

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      January 20, 2016 at 12:31 pm

      Aw, thank you Alison!!! 🙂

  31. Nellie says

    January 19, 2016 at 9:11 pm

    I have destroyed my share of toys and learned so much from it! Especially that my mom won’t won’t replace it after its broken! I appreciate you sharing this story with us!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      Aw, my pleasure and you are right no one was replacing this broken toy for sure!

  32. Amanda || Growing Up Madison says

    January 19, 2016 at 9:35 pm

    I am cracking up because I remember Madison doing something very similar to her carriage that she got when she was 2 as well. I happened to distract her though before she left a hole in the wall. I try not to be helicopter mom either but at times it happens and as moms our kids welfare ALWAYS comes first. As my mom would say “better safe than sorry”.

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:41 pm

      Aw, smiling that Madison did something similar and my mom always says similar to what your mom said, too 🙂

  33. Carrie Groneman says

    January 19, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    Oh Janine, I love your wit, how you phrase things and your stories. Your writing is always so enjoyable and this is absolutely fabulous!

    • Janine says

      January 19, 2016 at 10:36 pm

      Aw, hugs and thank you for your kind words here! 😉

  34. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    January 20, 2016 at 7:02 am

    You are such a great mom. Your girls are so lucky to have you.

    • Janine says

      January 20, 2016 at 8:02 am

      Aw, hugs and thank you so much Robin!!! 🙂

  35. Leslie says

    January 20, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    That is one of the funniest stories ever! It reminds me of our younger daughter, who was gifted a baby doll stroller at age 2, and nearly broke it the same day by trying to sit in it and get strolled around herself! Also, that comment from your oldest is just so heartwarming and sweet.

    • Janine says

      January 20, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      Leslie, I am so picturing your daughter doing this, too and my mom still smiles whenever she does tell this story of me all over again – so glad it translated here for you as well! 🙂

  36. Kristi Campbell says

    January 20, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    Oh Janine! LOL to you destroying that gift within 24 hours! I wonder what you were thinking? This is a great story and I love that you got the “you’re the best mom I could have gotten” hug because that makes doll carriage bashing episodes (or what they do instead) more survivable!

    • Janine says

      January 20, 2016 at 8:34 pm

      Aw, thanks Kristi and definitely more survivable indeed!! 😉

  37. Alexa says

    January 21, 2016 at 7:18 am

    I had exactly the same carriage!!! And good for you for standing up for your girls!

    • Janine says

      January 21, 2016 at 7:29 am

      That is seriously awesome that you had the same carriage and smiled so hard reading your comment, because of it! 😉

  38. Maria says

    January 21, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    A beautiful recounting of your days as a young girl! Thank goodness we outgrow some of our habits when we were children, otherwise my daughter would be covered in mud ( I used to give my dolls mud baths when I was young…). thanks so much for sharing this beautiful memory with us on #SHINEbloghop. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

    • Janine says

      January 21, 2016 at 2:01 pm

      Aw, thank you for hosting and so happy to share this beautiful memory with you all today. Have a wonderful weekend now, too!! 🙂

  39. Tamara says

    January 21, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    Oh, that is funny! That’s like Des with the shopping cart we gave him. He wanted it so badly and then would crash it and break it all the time.
    It’s now in the basement!

    • Janine says

      January 21, 2016 at 6:17 pm

      I am totally picturing that shopping cart now, too and again sounds like we can yet again relate to each other still 😉

  40. Aunt Gloria says

    January 23, 2016 at 12:02 am

    That story of your demolishing your new doll carriage is a classic “Terrible Two’s” – you’ve got the power! Love seeing those photos of you as a little one….so adorable! You are a wonderful and loving mom and Emma said it all…you’re the best! Keep up the good work, and keep us all smiling! Love xxoo

    • Janine says

      January 23, 2016 at 12:25 am

      Aw, thank you so much Aunt Gloria always and love you, too xoxo 😉

  41. catherine gacad says

    February 2, 2016 at 5:49 pm

    janine, you were the cutest toddler ever! i especially love the red overalls.

    • Janine says

      February 2, 2016 at 6:00 pm

      Aw, thanks so much Catherine!! 🙂

  42. Rabia @TheLiebers says

    February 4, 2016 at 11:44 am

    LOL! 24 hours, huh? That must be a toy destruction time table record!!

    • Janine says

      February 4, 2016 at 11:47 am

      I know that’s me breaking all sorts of records!!;)

Primary Sidebar

Find Family-Friendly, Lifestyle, Recipes, DIY, Disney articles and more here.

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Resources

My Homework Done offers the best writing help for students on any task.

My Paper Done service will make sure that your college grades will always stay on top.

Have you lost your job due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and need to cut back on your monthly bills? Get rid of that timeshare you never use with the help of Hawaii timeshare laws and Missouri timeshare laws

Footer

Confessions Belong To

I Am A Published Author!

Featured Confessions

Confessions Partners

baby clothes on DHgate.com

Copyright © 2022 Confessions of A Disney-aholic Mom | Designed by J9 Designs

  • 33
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok