Published: December 24, 2008 12:38 pm      

DADDY'S GIRL: Reading baby's mind, one frame at a time

There are a few words that are synonymous with the holidays. Good cheer. Family. Togetherness.

Pictures.

We in the Lane house recently trekked to our local portrait studio to get holiday photos taken of Penny.

Sitting in the lobby area waiting ... and waiting ... and waiting for our turn, I couldn’t help but ponder what was going through little Penny’s mind as the events of the afternoon unfolded. Here’s my best guess.

Early morning, as Grandma’s putting her Christmas dress on her: “Bathtime was fun, I sure am glad that rubber duck showed up again. I hope she puts me in the Elmo overalls ... wait, what’s that? It’s got pretty ribbons all over it, but it’s open on the bottom. I’ll freeze! Ooh, wait, it has shiny things on it, spiffy (proceeds to try and pull them off). What do you mean I can’t put those in my mouth? They look so tasty.”

Around 11 a.m., when she’s getting her coat and dress shoes on: “Wow, Daddy looks better than usual. His hair is combed, and his shirt isn’t even stained. This dress is poofy. It makes my bum cold, but at least it’s easy to pull up to my mouth (proceeds to try and eat it). Foiled again. Curse you grown-ups. Coat? Shoes? We’re going bye-bye? All right! Just please cover my legs, it’s chilly.”

About 11:15 a.m., after we arrive and sit in the waiting area: “Whoa! Toys! And other kids! That girl looks nice, I’m sure she wants a hug (hugs girl, then tries to give the girl’s little sister a hug as well as their father). They’re fun. I should share this horse toy with them. OK, I want it back now. Give it, give it! Oh boy, a ball! This place is great.”

Ten minutes later: “Can’t we go home yet? I want to watch ‘The Backyardigans.’ And I’ve walked enough for today (reaches her arms skyward in my direction, then nuzzles into my shoulder after being scooped up). I always knew Daddy was good for something. He can do the work for a while.”

Noonish, after we make our way into the actual studio: “This room is strange. Who’s that? What? You want me to stand here and smile? Why? What’s in it for me? (Grimaces for several minutes, at which point the photographer moves away from the camera). Ooh, there’s Mommy (smiles at Mommy).”

A few minutes later: “But you told me just one more, then we’d be done. It’s been a lot more than one. Do you realize how hard it is to lay on this rug thing, look up and be cute? This bow on my head is itchy. I’m sure they won’t mind if I take it off.”

A few minutes after that: “I don’t want to look that way. My right side is my good side. Why is Daddy making those goofy faces? He should know by now that I’m going to smile only when I’m good and ready.”

As we put our coats on to leave: (Unleashes an adorable grin) “I’m ready.”

Of course, the final product was well worth any minor annoyances that were encountered that day. We also got a great family shot (our first in about a year) that went on our Christmas cards, and you can absolutely not have too many photos of your children.

In at least that regard, this holiday season has been picture-perfect.

•••

As I complete the final column of 2008, I can’t help but look ahead to 2009.

What a year that will be.

Little Lane No. 2 will be here any day now — perhaps by the time you’re reading this, or quite possibly before my next column comes out.

We’re far from having the house ready for this little arrival, but when I think about how much joy we’ll have next year, I don’t get that worked up. Sure, the newborn clothes need washing and the babies’ room needs rearranging, but it’ll all work out.

And any stress that’s involved will be well worth it when we finally see him or her.

May your new year bring as much excitement and good times as ours will.

Contact editor Paul Laneat 693-1000, ext. 116,or lanep@gnnewspaper.com.