"princess ariel"

i have mentioned madelyn's imagination several times now, but she has made it more of a round the clock expression in the past week.  everyday she tells us who she is (it can change several times throughout the day).  the most common character is "princess ariel" (with feet or with a tail).  other popular characters are "doctor princess ariel" and "the sea witch" (aka ursula).

she corrects us every time we call her "madelyn".

she is a method actor for sure.  she pretends to arrive through either the front door or her bedroom door and is in character.  she asks who everyone is, thanks us for having her over, explains that madelyn is sick and can't be here, asks "do you have a restroom?" which then requires directions to its location, and a description of her outfit (the imaginary one).

she has also been filling out "princess ariel's" back story.  her mom has beautiful rainbow striped hair and has a beautiful singing voice.  depending on the day "princess ariel" either is pregnant or has a new baby - also named "ariel".  she tells us all about life in the palace.  sometimes she lives with prince eric, but mostly she just dances with him.  all of the other princesses live with her in the palace.  she wishes that madelyn could come and visit her at the palace; once she gets well of course.  there is much lamenting about missing flounder now that she has legs.  we have worked out that she has a sparkly pink swimsuit to wear when prince eric takes her out in the boat to visit flounder.

when she is "doctor princess ariel" she calls out the names of patients while facing the wall (i guess so she can't see them until they arrive).  mason then goes to get the patient (i.e. "bunny-bear") and lays them on the block table so that "doctor princess ariel" can examine them and give them their shots (a toy top).  sometimes mason gets to be the patient too.  he likes to say "ahh" for her to look in his mouth.  i am impressed with how willing he is to cooperate.

last night i met one of my favorite versions - the ariel who gave her voice to ursula for legs.  madelyn comes up and taps me on the side and rubs her throat to let me know that she can't speak.  how funny is that?

while it is a lot for us to keep straight, we enjoy hearing all about her double imaginary life.  love.