This makes my heart happy

For the first time Amelia has written her own letter to Santa Claus. This is a big deal because, although she has sent him letters in the past that were composed with my help, she wrote this one all by herself.

In her letter, she asks Santa to bring her some stick-on fingernails, a whoopsie doo doll, a Belle doll, a Barbie camper, a styling head and Giddy-up and Go pony.

I am so happy she took the initiative to write her own letter to the jolly old elf with whom she's scheduled to have her photo taken tomorrow. She intends to present her list of desires to him at that time.

People who are not parents may not know this just by glancing at her list, but for those of us who begin being inundated with toy catalogs in August, it's evident my little lady has expensive taste. The pony alone is sold at the manufacturer's suggested retail price of $200 while Barbie camps in nothing but luxury because her ride is priced at $80.

I haven't discussed Amelia's list with her but I am pretty sure Santa, who is feeling the effects of the recession just like us regular folks, may not have the budget to create all these items for my dear little girl.