When Lucia turned four, we gifted her with an ivory doll at her dies natales celebration. This doll was able to move with jointed limbs, and Lucia was amazed and immediately obsessed with it. She loved taking care of the doll as if it was her own child, and together we sewed a tiny white tunic and leather belt for it to mimic her own clothing. I loved using this opportunity to teach her some basic household and mothering skills through her doll. For this reason, I'd highly r

When Felix was four years old, I was blessed by the gods with another child-- a girl! I was so excited to have a daughter. I'd loved raising Felix, and of course, in our society, having a son is beneficial for several reasons. But I couldn't wait to raise a virtuous, modest, loyal, and beautiful young woman. We went about the same pre-birth customs that we had done with Felix, only this time, I required less help from my midwives because I knew more of what I was getting into