Posted June 30, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

Once upon a time, my husband and I -- mere commoners -- prepared a bedroom for our baby-to-be, one filled with yellow and green and blue and adorned with dancing John Lennon animals.

But you all know the rest of the story. Our baby girl turned out to be a princess, and as soon as she was able to string together a sentence, she started asking us to transform the nursery to a Royal Chamber fitting for someone of her stature.

Now, reality check: Libby's room is the smallest in the house, and our budget isn't much bigger. Still, we wanted to let the room reflect Lots-of-Lock's personality. So we agreed to make some changes -- as long as they fit into our limited square footage and our budgetary constraints.

"It's absolutely beautiful," our daughter proclaimed at the "reveal." And the room -- dressed in purple tulle and princess memorabilia -- was certainly that. (It didn't… Read More

Posted June 23, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

One of the most beloved royal traditions in our kingdom is the Royal Festival of Film. Yes, I mean we enjoy popping corn, cuddling on the sofa and having our own movie night.

And, of course, princess movies often make their way into our line-up. But you must remember -- we are not only the parents of Princess Lots-Of-Locks (also known as Libby). We have our own palace artisan (Max, 11), our knight (Steven,… Read More

Posted June 16, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

Every time someone mentions that Libby is "such a little princess," I wince inside. I know what they mean, of course. They mean she's what they call a "girly girl" -- all pink tutus and fairy dust, part bangle, part bauble, and all bling bling bling.

And yes, Libby is a little princess. But I'd like to think that's true, even if she's wearing overalls and soccer cleats (which she seems to be turning to… Read More

Posted June 9, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

Libby was destined to be a princess from the moment my husband told his parents they were getting a granddaughter for Christmas. And, by virtue of my English-major past, the little princess was also destined to be born with a royal library.

Around the time we found out we were having a girl, I discovered "Princess: My First Taggies Book" by Will Grace. I was as smitten as the Prince was when Cinderella… Read More

Posted May 26, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

I remember distinctly the day I heard my little princess singing to her Webkinz:

"Someday my prince will come,
Someday I'll find my love
And how thrilling that moment will be
When the prince of my dreams comes to me."

"Isn't that cute?" my husband commented between forkfuls of eggs, nodding toward the living room. Libby, dressed in a long skirt and some Mardi Gras beads, danced with a giraffe as she finished.

"Though he's far… Read More

Posted by Mary Lebeau on May 12, 2009

When she was a wee bitty princess, Libby's favorite word was "mine."

"That's mine!" she'd proclaim, chasing down her brothers for a stray ball or the last cupcake.

But then -- almost by magic -- she changed her ways. "May I share your cupcake, please?" she requested of Max. He raised his eyebrow skeptically as he broke a piece off for her.

I'd like to take credit… Read More