For Christmas this year, we let L.A. Toddler tell us what she wanted. We got some great hints while we hauled her through the toy aisle in Target. And, to her credit, she remembered all the toys she wanted. We got to hear about how much she wanted the Hide and Seek Care Bear, Dinosaurs, and the Little People House for most of December.

What’s funny is that my boss gave me a gift to give to L.A. Toddler — and it was the exact same size, shape, and feel as her Hide and Seek Care Bear. I was torn about giving it to her… if it was the same, she’d have two of them. If it was different (and we were sneaky enough to return the Hide and Seek bear), she might be disappointed she didn’t get what she asked for. So, we let her open both - - and they were different. She did open the other Care Bear, from my boss, first and she exclaimed, “But I wanted the other one, momma!” We quickly gave it to her. She was happy.

Of course — of all the gifts she wanted… the greatest success was the one she didn’t ask for. It was the big Play-doh kit she got from my brother… and didn’t ask for. Ah, well…