You better watch out

(Gabe - 28 weeks old)

...You better not cry, you better not pout i'm telling you why...Santa Claus is coming to town!!!

We took Gabe to see Santa at the mall last week. I'm telling you, Christmas is a completely different world once you have a baby. I know he's too young to understand or know what's going on, but i can't wait for those christmas's when he'll wait for Santa to bring his presents.

The mall was beautiful, it was nicely decorated with gold trim and deep red velvet ribbons - they had Christmas classics playing in the background. They had a pretty set for the "North Pole." My absolute favorite part was they had a mini train that went around the mall that kids could ride. i'm sure Gabe would love to ride it next year.

I loved seeing Gabe next to Santa Claus, but i do have to say i wasn't impressed with the Santa Claus at this particular mall - i was hoping he would be the jolly big santa with a big red suit. This one was a bald one with a brocade type vest - i guess they were going more for the St. Nick look. Not my fav. But still, he was Santa - none-the-less.

I meant to have Gabe in his cute elf hat but i didn't have it with me at the time so he was in his bear suit instead.

Anyway, here are some tips for those going to see Santa to ensure its a smooth experience:

- make sure your baby is well fed and rested so they're in a good mood

- if possible have 2 of you with the baby so one of you can take a pic with your own camera while the other one is trying to make the baby smile

- make sure to bring your baby's favorite toy so you can use that to make them smile

- make sure you're slightly dressed because there's a possibility you'll be in the picture too if baby gets fussy

- you don't have to buy a picture package so don't feel forced to

- make sure your Santa smiles (for some reason mine didn't feel the need to be jolly)

- to avoid long lines go early in early December - the closer to Christmas you go the more crowded the mall will be

- try to go during the weekday during the day while everyone else is at work