dear santa,

Dear Santa,

I've been a pretty good girl this year. Some would agree with you, others would not...so let me explain.

First, I'm really cute! You can't disagree with that. I think my charm brings smiles to faces of those I love as well as strangers. That's got to be worth something, right?

Second, I make really funny animal noises. Yah, some kids know moo, bah and quack...big deal... what other not-even-two-year-old knows animal sounds like hyena, crow and hippo?

My mom doesn't like it when I put small things from the carpet into my mouth. Really, I'm just trying to help her vacuum. Maybe you could let her know? And either way, if there's stuff on the carpet, she should vacuum more (maybe SHE should be on the naughty list???). I also like to unfold mommy's newly cleaned laundry and empty daddy's sock drawer. Sometimes she doesn't mind, but other times she does. Could you just let her know I don't like the way she folds it and puts it away? She needs to think outside of the box...

I know I should be walking right now. Everyone agrees with that: parents, pediatricians, therapists, orthopedic surgeons...I've seen 'em all...and they all say something's wrong, but they can't figure out WHAT. Since I'm not telling why I'm not walking yet, I think everyone should just enjoy the fact that I'm staying little. Parents say kids grow up too fast and this is my gift to mommy and daddy to stay little for just a bit longer. If you count "not walking" on the good girl list this year, I promise next year I'll walk. I PROMISE. You can let my mommy know that too.

Plus, I've come so far this year. Remember? In June I couldn't even go from lying down to sitting up on my own...I learned to do that, scoot, crawl, climb, cruise and walk just holding onto mommy's and daddy's pinky fingers in under 7 months! That's hard work!!

I'm quite a vocal child. I don't know many words yet (all those doctors say that has a lot to do with my walking...or lack thereof), so I have to express myself in other ways. I usually decide to express my emotions via screaming. Most people say this would include me in the "naughty girl" list, but I'm just trying to spice up life a little. I'm warming those vocal chords so when I learn to talk, no one will ever know what to do with all the real words that suddenly emerge.

I'm a great sleeper. I sleep for 12 hours every single night and usually take an incredible nap. I can sleep at anyone's house so my mommy and daddy can still have a social life. Mommy and daddy get so many compliments on this like it's something they did. Really, I'm just being a good little girl.

I have great hair. The curl makes for great pig tails, and looks wonderful without my mom doing basically anything to it. I know this isn't something that should be attributed to me, but hear me out. I'm not even two years old yet and I sit still (well, mostly still) for my mommy to pull and tug and create something she likes to call "french braids." Let me tell ya, these braids don't feel all that swell...and I'm not even French (well, I am a little bit)...and yet, I know it's something my mommy really wants, so I do it. Good girl. (Oh, and the bang issue my mommy has probably told you about...I promise to let them grow out this year rather than pull on my hair when I'm upset...I promise.)

One of my new favorite things to do is reach up onto mommy's nightstand and get into her vaseline. She REALLY doesn't like this, but I have an excuse. It's a good one. Remember how daddy's hands get really dry and then they crack open and bleed? I fear (since I'm basically a clone of daddy...and I got his fair, dry skin) my hands have that same fate. I'm simply trying to prevent my sweet little hands from disaster.

I'm so great in church...um, okay, that's a lie. But, I sat through the first hour and 15 minutes for the last two weeks without daddy needing to take me out. Plus, I'm a champ in nursery. I'm pretty sure I'm the ONLY one who hasn't needed my mommy or daddy EVER. That alone should keep me on the good list.

Things I'm working on: not throwing my food, not hitting or pinching or biting, screaming less and speaking more, walking and cuddling. These things might take another year or so, so if you could let them slide, I'd be very appreciative.

So, as you see, I really should be included on the "good girl" list this year. I'm not too picky about gifts I would like to receive. I mean, I'm happy with a cardboard box and mardi gras beads...but something new would be nice.

I think that's all. If there's anything else, feel free to contact me, I'm sure I have an explanation.

Yours Truly,

lkl

p.s. Don't be offended with how I reacted to you last weekend. I've just never seen anyone with a beard quite like yours before.