December 23, 2011
For the last couple of years the sight of Santa at the mall has not been pleasant for Charlotte. The first year, she was screaming trying to get out of his lap. I'll have to scan that one to the computer, but take my word on it, she wasn't happy.
The second year, she clearly remembered the experience and clung to Mommy's neck so Mommy had to be in the picture.
This year we weren't expecting anything less, in fact we thought it could be even worse. The line was long when we got there so I thought I would entice her by telling her if she sat with Santa, she would get a piece of candy. Some parents call that bribing...I call it a lesson in cause and effect. However, I was about to get a lesson in negotiating, as my child then demanded candy and a cookie. Fine, but I needed a big ole happy face when she was sitting with Santa. When it was our turn, I thought for sure our deal would go out the window and she would cling to one of our necks. Instead, this child with her face full of anticipation, ran with arms wide open to Santa and gave him a giant hug. She was so smitten with him...Audrey could care less. Next year, I'm sure she'll be the one screaming in the picture.
