Last September, Maia was traumatized by a debilitating stomach flu and the accompanying spit-up bowl that didn’t leave her side for over 24 hours. Ever since, the subject has come up in random passing from an occasional casual reference to more pointed reenactments.

A few days ago, “Princess Doctor Maia” diagnosed her dolly as having a bad tummy ache and she needed to make the dolly get better.

First we have to prep the patient.

Nikon D200, ISO 1000, ƒ/2.8, 1/60sec, 24mm focal L.

Then, cut open her belly.

Nikon D200, ISO 1000, ƒ/2.8, 1/60sec, 24mm focal L.

Paraphrasing, Maia says, “In order to get the tummy ache out, we have to cut into your belly first.”

It takes a sawing motion — maybe we need to sharpen her scalpel…

Nikon D200, ISO 1000, ƒ/2.8, 1/60sec, 29mm focal L.

A quick check under the dressing.

Nikon D200, ISO 1000, ƒ/2.8, 1/80sec, 32mm focal L.

“And, once the belly is open, we reach in and pull out the tummy ache.”

The idea of cutting into the belly comes from the story of Madeline getting her appendix removed.

Now we pull out the tummy ache.

Nikon D200, ISO 1000, ƒ/2.8, 1/40sec, 34mm focal L.

“And then we scoop out the tummy ache and take it into the bathroom and flush it down the toilet”.

[Yup, just like we did with her spit-up bowl]

All better now!

Nikon D200, ISO 1000, ƒ/2.8, 1/30sec, 34mm focal L.

And, Princess Doctor Maia cures all ailments!

Once she had it on, she wanted to go trick-r-treating and I explained that it would be a long time until next Halloween came so we could do that.

She said, “Thanks OK. I just like wearing my dress. It’s special to me and Grandma Becky”.