My child has never met a stranger. I don't know if it's her God-given personality or some residual effect of being cared for by a revolving panel of nurses in the NICU. Either way, she's a people person (like her mother). Even in the last few weeks as she's started to be a little clingy to Mark and me, Annalyn is still as friendly as can be to every person she encounters. Cashiers, church nursery workers, Salvation Army bell ringers - really, everyone. They all love her, and she loves them. Granted, she's constantly telling these people, her friends, "Bye-bye!" But that's just because it's the only real word she knows.So I was convinced that her first visit with Santa would go well. Annalyn would be that rare child who would not be scared of ol' St. Nick. She'd smile up at him and say, "Woof! Bye-bye! Bah, bah, gubah!" And he'd laugh his jolly laugh and say, "Merry Christmas, sweet girl! Of course I'll bring you a giant cat that won't mind getting its tail pulled!"
The reality? Not so much. I honestly didn't even see Annalyn look at Santa. But considering how awkward he was with her on his lap (seriously, Santa?), I'm not surprised she was not at ease. And quickly started crying her head off.
The grainy pic above is the free one they were giving out. I wish they would have captured the moment about 11 seconds later when she actually started crying. Not because I enjoy seeing her cry! (What kind of parent do you think I am?! The kind that can't help but grin when her sweet darling baby girl sticks her lip out and cries when she doesn't get her way? That kind? Oh...wait...) No, I wish I had that picture because it really defines this experience.
Poor child. I thought I'd be a bad mom if I didn't give her this classic childhood experience. Turns out she would have been happier if we'd have stayed at home and watched The Grinch.
