Get me a passport out of this mess!

Twice we've tried to get the little guy's passport photo taken, and twice we've failed. He's terrified of the big camera and of the strangers who try to get him to sit still and pose.

Here is how the scene has unfolded both times: We sit him down on the stool. He cries, looks away from the camera, and begs us to pick him up. We attempt several times to sooth him and get him in the right frame of mind. When it's obvious this isn't going to work we take a break. We hang out and try to acclimatize him to the store. We butter him up. Tell him it will be fun to get his picture taken. We watch other people sit on the stool and get their pictures taken. We talk to the nice strangers operating the camera. And then we try again, and again and again until we admit defeat and go home.

I know that getting him to sit still and look at the camera is only half the battle. There is also the issue of making sure he keeps his mouth closed. The rule for passport photos is that you must have your mouth closed. Even babies and toddlers. That's so crazy! The automatic reaction of every kid in that age group is to gawk, wide mouthed at the camera.

I'd really like to know why it's essential that the "closed mouth" rule apply to young children. Do they experience a lot of problems with reckless toddlers trying to smuggle apple juice across the border? Does an open mouth mask a baby's true identity? It's so utterly stupid.

Wish me luck with attempt #3. I'm going to need it!