The scoop (er, poop) on Baby Alive

I know you have all been waiting to death to hear it, so here is the Baby Alive story. This is the one toy that Susie has been dying to have for months. She was so excited Christmas morning to find out that her dream had come true. So was I, for the record: I've always wanted a Baby Alive, and I never got one. (but I'm not bitter or anything!)

The basic charm of the doll is that she eats, pees and poops. This was the charm of the original doll. This newer version is over-the-top pimped out. The Baby Alive of the millennium is computerized. She is realistically animated. Her lips smack and undulate around the spoon and bottle. Baby Alive is a charming conversationalist. She talks, adorably, with her caretakers. I could swear she sparkles! She actually "learns" how to use her potty: She starts out saying (nay, giggling) "Oops! I made a stinky!" After each feeding (According to the directions) she is supposed to give you more notice. The second time she says, "I think I have to use the potty, oops! too late!" The third time she says "Hurry Mommy!" and so on. By the 6th feeding she is supposed to be able to "hold it" until she goes in her potty.

fyi:
http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/Products_DetailView.htm?AC=B&BR=801&SBR=686&ID=22167&TP=HR

The directions imply this progression is supposed to happen over time. In Susie-time it took about 8 minutes to blow through ten feedings and 30 diapers. The bathroom looked like a war zone. There were dirty diapers, empty food and juice packets and baby food splatters all over the place. (Don't think I didn't have a few traumatic flashbacks). By the way, the directions stress the need to make sure the diaper is SECURELY fastened. They also stress that Baby Alive's food is likely to stain. I would absolutely agree with the stress part.

Anyways, we went to buy replacement diapers and food for Baby Alive the day after Christmas. The food is kind of cool--you actually mix it up and it turns into this stuff that really looks like baby food. The trouble is, you absolutely have to use that food, or Baby Alive won't be alive anymore. The diapers were a sham, though. They were really expensive--even more expensive than real baby diapers. We considered buying newborn preemie diapers, but they weren't that much cheaper. Plus, it wasn't so long ago that I crossed diapers off the household shopping list for good. So, since you all know I am a handy gal, you KNOW I JUST grabbed a package of real baby cloth diapers and a package of shower caps and made Susie's doll a pile of little cloth diapers and plastic pants. The cloth diapers were actually better at catching the leaks than the Baby Alive diapers, and they washed out really well without staining too much.

Then we got to send Baby Alive home with her.

(evil laugh and discordant music)

Funny, but the day she arrived at her Owego home, Baby Alive didn't work anymore. Now, a week later, when it is time for her to come back to her Connecticut home, Baby Alive works! Miraculous! Well, Susie sure felt it was miraculous. I for one thinks something smells fishy. Er...... stinky. But, it doesn't matter, because I can't wait for the little darling to come home! All three of them, actually.

GRIN.