We all hold a special place in our hearts for the dolls we loved when we were little.
From Cabbage Patch Kids to the ever-iconic Barbie, playing with dolls helps teach children role-playing and nurturing skills.
But some people take their love for dolls to a whole other level — like great-grandmother Christina Cotgrove, from Kent, England.
When Christina bought her first "Reborn" doll — a very lifelike type of baby doll — she was immediately hooked.
The doll reminded her of laying with dolls with her mother when she was a child, and from that point, she continued to purchase more and more dolls — 27 of them in total.
Her love for her dolls guides her life, and she spends hours each day caring for them and taking them for walks in an adorable vintage pram. Scroll through to read more about Christina and her dolls.
Did you love dolls when you were young? Let us know in the comments, and please SHARE!
Christina, a retired foster carer, has spent more than $70,000 on 27 super-realistic dolls called "Reborns" and their accessories.
She baths, powders, and dresses each doll before putting them to bed every night.
She bought her first doll after her mother had passed away with some of the inheritance that was left to her.
"I'd spent my childhood playing dolls with her, and so when I discovered Reborn dolls, I felt it was fitting to spend what Mum left me on a new baby," Christina said.
Mother of five biological children and two adopted children, and grandmother and great-grandmother to 25, not everyone is on board with Christina's passion.
"I make sure to spend as much time with my grandchildren as I do with my Reborns, though I probably spend a little more money on the dolls," Christina said.
After suffering from heart and kidney problems, Christina left her job, and her love for her dolls grew.
"I always loved having children around, and it's comforting to be able to take care of babies again."
Christina's husband David repairs the doll's strollers, but at a slight cost: the couple hasn't gone on vacation in years, so they can spend more on the dolls.
"When I was a young mum, I didn't have the money to splash out on my kids," Christina said. "Now, I can — it's a treat for me, as well as the dolls!"
"I love it when people confuse my dolls for real babies — it just proves how lifelike they are!" Christina said.
The dolls have their own wardrobe and are changed regularly.
They also have a shelf located in their nursery stocked with fake diapers, bottles, binkies and toys.
"I know people think my collection is a bit weird, but I just laugh it off. Collecting the babies makes me happy, and I'm not hurting anyone."
What do you think of Christina's collection? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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