I got my first My Child some time in the mid-80s (like maybe 1986, my source tells me) for Christmas. To be very honest, I don't remember her, never gave her much heed. That was, of course, due to my Cabbage Patch Kids. My mother has told me that she had invested too much into the kids to switch dolls then, so I stayed with CPKs. Alas, I am not the only kid that did since they went out of production a very short time later. Fast forward to 2002 when I was thrift storing for CPKs and other stuff. I like to sell knick knacks on E-bay, stuff others would like, and I found this cute doll in a bin for $1.50. I knew right off what she was, as I have seen them before. I bought her thinking someone on E-bay might like her. I took her home, set her on my table and searched the 'net on how to clean her up. Alas, the rest is history. I fell in love and could not part with her. And then I had to have MORE!! That part has come to fruitration, sorta. I have no desire to have MINTY ones, where's the challenge? I like the grimey ones, it's fun to clean and make something of them. I also look at garage sales, and thrift stores, and have found a total of 3 from there. The rest have come from E-bay or personal sales. For now my collection is small, but there. And I also have tips for newbies, like myself. Links are posted, other hints and tips about these lovely dolls will follow!