Where is the Laundry Fairy?

Well, dear friends, I finally did it...What did I do? I folded laundry. I let it sit for almost 2 weeks. Yes, I'm hardcore. I thought that if I let it sit for long enough that the laundry fairy would come...It didn't happen. So I have deduced that one of two things is going on: 1. There is no laundry fairy. -OR- 2. I have behaved poorly. I guess there is a third choice as well...BOTH. At any rate, while folding, I lamented about the fact that the majority of the laundry is that of my preschooler...I asked my friends if they had any advice for my dilemma, and none of them did. In fact, it's apparently a very common issue among parents of young little darlings. Well, actually, it's a terrible combination of things that is happening here...

1. The Diaper Factor. This first struggle is pretty simple, actually. Well, I mean, it makes complete sense to me. She doesn't wear a diaper anymore. When she did, though, we obviously would change her whenever she was wet or smelly. So, it only stands to reason that every single time she uses the restroom now...she must change her panties. I am really unsure of how to teach her that it really isn't necessary to change them every single time. I mean, technically, it's not a bad habit, right? It's pretty good, hygenically speaking...A bit odd, maybe...OCD? Possibly...but it's not harmful.  So there's challenge #1

2. The Dress-up Factor. The second struggle actually leads into the third struggle, but anyway, it's all about dress-up in our house. She has a dress-up chest, where all her most treasured pieces are supposed to be...SUPPOSED being the operative word. That never happens, of course. They end up all over the house, and then I get interrogated as to their locale when she can't find her "peacock" or "the black dress" or her "Aurora skirt." Yes, they all have specific names. She frequently changes dress-up gear, generally after a couple songs on the Kindle...I allow this because I am a "pick your battles" type of parent, and I'm really more of a hippie, so I don't pick many. One friend did suggest designating one day of the week as "dress-up day" and not allowing dress-ups any other day during the week. Apparently, she is insane. If I tried to do this, the world would, most certainly, come to an abrupt end in the eyes of my little girl. Not. Happening.

3. The Quick Change Factor. As I said, struggle #2 leads into this one. Here is where it gets extra tricky. In between songs or other various activities, she deems it appropriate to change out of dress-up clothing and into normal clothing. SO...she will strip down wherever she is at that moment (sometimes the bathroom, kitchen, living room, and if I'm lucky...her bedroom) and find something to wear. Of course, she must also choose new panties to go along with her outfit. It just makes sense that way. Another friend suggested that she chooses several outfits for the week, and then we just put everything out of reach until the next week comes. This sounds fab...in theory...but in practice? Where the hell am I supposed to put her damn clothes?! We have a small house, and as it is the master bedroom is somewhat of a storage closet.

So here I sit...in front of my computer...drink in hand. What's a mom to do? I guess I'll just keep on foldin' and holding out hope that the laundry fairy will come next week?