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

Posted April 28, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

"So, who have you brought to us today?" asked Miss Maureen, the enthusiastic young preschool teacher, as she greeted us at the door.

I must have looked a bit puzzled. After all, Miss Maureen and Miss Amy had been teaching Libby for over a month at this point. Didn't she recognize her own student?

But Libby beamed. "I'm Aurora," she said, offering a hand. "Very pleased to meet you."

"Ah, Aurora. I hope you don't fall… Read More

Posted April 14, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

Being the only female member of our household (well, besides moi!), Libby was never challenged for the princess role. Her brothers had no interest, of course, and her big sister finished her reign and moved on to her own kingdom. So Lotsa Locks ruled over all that was sparkly or glittery; any magic wands, Happy Meal jewelry, or (of course) tiaras that came into our home were automatically bestowed on her.

Not only that… Read More

Posted March 31, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

Being the only princess in our household, Libby gets a lot of perks. She has a closet full of outfits, she receives all the hand-me-downs when it comes to old purses, and of course there's a variety of hair adornments, including a half dozen tiaras in shimmery hues.

And she gets her own room, much to the chagrin of her two older brothers, who bunk together next door. But, unlike the castles of Windsor… Read More

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

My daughter is known around the "palace" as "the lovely Princess Lots-of-Locks," and that's for good reason. Her brown hair, which flows down her back to her bottom, has never been cut (well, except for the occasional trim of the bangs). "This is my baby hair," she'll tell people, holding up the ends of her hair to display the curl.

Sure, her hair is beautiful, but all beauty comes with a price.… Read More

Posted March 5, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

We were bundled up and sitting on the curb that cool October evening, watching the annual Fall Festival parade that welcomed autumn to our small hometown each year.

Libby was excited -- and nothing made her eyes light up more than when she saw the string of shiny convertibles that carried the local royalty. She did her best version of a Miss America wave, her hand gliding through the evening air, as the… Read More