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Steve and Sean with "Princess Lots-of-Locks" (a.k.a. Libby)

Posted January 28, 2009 by Mary Dixon Lebeau

Once upon a time, just about six years ago, I lived in a kingdom that was predominantly painted blue. The halls of the castle bellowed with boy-sounds, guffaws, and shouts. The bedrooms were adorned with reptiles, both prehistoric and modern-day, and clothing was purchased with the word "rugged" firmly in mind. 

But then, a princess arrived in our midst. She brought with her sounds of giggles and lullabies, splashes of pink, and delicate dreams made of cotton candy and bubbles. She filled her small room with toe shoes, tulle, and of course, a variety of tiaras.

The arrival of a princess in a household was a magical thing. Suddenly, the entire household was magically transformed. She wasn't just our little girl, but rather Her Imperial Highness -- the Princess Lots-of-Locks.

And we were no longer just a mom and a dad and three big brothers. With a wave of a sparkly wand, we became inhabitants of her kingdom, a world where pink and white Crocs were deemed "glass slippers" and a bumbling basset hound could be a steed fit for a prince.

So, welcome to our kingdom. Our Princess Lots-of-Locks is otherwise known as Libby, a kindergartener with an infectious smile, a trunk full of dress-up clothes, and hair that ripples down her back. Since she was a baby, Libby has ruled this household (er, kingdom), leading us down rabbit holes and over rainbows with her imagination, her dreams, and her games of "let's pretend."

Unfortunately, big brothers aren't always cooperative with the whims of little girls (even if the little girl in question is royalty, which sometimes translates to "bossy" in the eyes of the mere commoners). But that doesn't stop the princess from labeling each of them, and including them in her magical game. 

Biggest brother Steve (an 18-year-old college freshman) is obviously meant to be a knight in shining armor, one who will swoop in on his white charger (well, red Celica) and rescue the princess from any dragon daring to bellow fire in the princess' direction. Next in line is Sean, 14, high school freshman and court jester of the highest order, who specializes in telling knock-knock jokes and tickling the princess into fits of giggles. 

The princess' closest companion is her very own squire, brother Max, 12, the palace artisan -- a lovable but often misunderstood troll. He brings the most complaints about the princess and her royal decrees (which he has been known to call "whining"), but he is also the one you'll find teaching her a new game, reading her the book she chose at the library, or helping her design an elaborate mural to be displayed on the royal cupboard's refrigerator door.

The kingdom is also well populated with imperial animals, noble creatures who (albeit reluctantly) serve their purpose with nobility and grace (a heaping bowlful of Snicky Snacks inspires their cooperation). Our cats -- an orange tabby with the appropriate name of Pumpkin, and the gray-colored Ashley -- are often referred to as the footman and the coachman (of course, the coach in question is a pink tricycle adorned with Cinderella, Aurora, and Belle). Sid, the bumbling basset hound turned stately steed, will do his best to draw the princess' wagon (a PF Flyer red classic), though he'll often jump in to ride along.

And me? Well, somehow I became the Queen Mum, the overseer of the kingdom, game-teacher and tear-wiper and prayer-sayer extraordinaire. I'm happily matched with a loving, protective king, who can usually be found wrapped around Libby's finger (the pinky, of course).

So, royal visitors, welcome to the kingdom. Even after six years, we're all still a bit bewildered by the shift from blue to "pretty in princess pink." But living with a princess has brought us a new perspective, a new joy, and more hair ribbons, paper dolls, and moments of laughter than we can count.