We have had a wonderful extra-long weekend celebrating when the religious zealots who helped found our nation, dined with our land’s natives.  Ah, Thanksgiving!  Charlotte loved the Macy’s Parade and was very well behaved for a two-year-old shopping on Black Friday.

This weekend it became clear there is a new man in my daughter’s life.

Sure, Daddy is great and Elmo is fun.  But, my girl has been after a man of mystery.  You know the type.  He shows up once a  year, but leaves your head spinning a few months before, wondering if he’ll really be there this time.  Oh!  The wait is so worth it!

Anywhere we see a beard or red hat, we’re sure to hear “Sana Caas!!!”  We ask her, “Charlotte, who did you see at the Christmas parade?” “Sana Caas!!!  Sit on Sana Caas yap!”  Let me remind you I showed her a picture of her on Santa Claus’ lap ONCE!  This child has remembered and has not stopped talking about when she will sit on “Sana Caas yap.”

She and I braved the mall this weekend because, if I’m being honest, I love the hustle, bustle, and bargain shopping of the holiday season.  Charlotte saw Santa through the glass as we went down the elevator.  I saw the line.  Ugh!  But, it seems my girl has a way with the new man in her life.  Yep, we caught Santa on his way to the crapper.  He was kind enough to stop for a quick cell phone stroller shot with my girl.

She was thrilled with this Santa-sighting, but still wants to sit on his “yap.”  I guess we’ll have to wait in the line with everyone else.  She’ll realize we are just commoners who don’t really get one-on-one time with the season’s hottest celebrity.

When we ask her what she wants from Sana Caas?  She shouts, “A baby!” That’s when every set of eyes in the room move straight to my midsection.  It is no doubt all pooched out since I am no doubt eating pie or something.  That’s when, between mouthfuls, I explain that she wants a “baby doll” and that I am not pregnant.

Is it Christmas yet?