Christmas

Well, we survived the Christmas season, and no baby yet which is what I was hoping for.  Don't get me wrong, I would have been so happy to meet this person, but a part of me really wanted this Christmas to be special for Michael since we are about to turn his world upside down.  Before Christmas Day, I think he was starting to put the pieces together on Santa, presents, etc., but I can say that I now know he gets it.  It was so fun watching him really take in everything about the Christmas season this year, and I feel so blessed to have him, Tom, my family, my home, my life.... I could go on forever.

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents, Emily, and her boyfriend Brian at Emily's house.  She hosted her first "grown up" dinner party and it was delightful- complete with an all-out Indian meal (in true Emily fashion).  We laughed, enjoyed each others company and got to know Brian a bit better which was nice, too.  After dinner we headed home and had Michael put out milk and cookies for Santa.  Then it was straight to bed for that little boy so we could get our Elf-work done!  I think I was more excited to put out gifts than Michael was to receive them- typical me.

Christmas morning, Michael woke up and immediately asked if Santa was up walking on our roof- it was pretty cute.  After explaining that Santa already had he headed downstairs to see what goodies were in store for him.  We sat around the tree as a family and opened gifts, laughed at our quick-witted 2 year old, and really took in the moment.  It was perfect.  We made muffins, drank coffee and played in our jammies until we headed to my Parent's house for cookie making and Christmas dinner.  Emily and Brian headed to Eau Claire to be with his family, so they were missed, but we are so happy that she has found someone that makes her truly happy.  It was a low-key day but filled with so much love, just as it should be.

We didn't celebrate with the whole fam until Saturday, when Emily and Brian could join us all for brunch.  We dined (great cooking as always, Dad), laughed some more, drank Mexican Hot Cocoa, and opened gifts.  Michael was spoiled as always and managed to score a Grader from Brian (a truck he has desperately wanted), clothes, movies, toys, and his ultimate favorite- a Train Table.  I sometimes think that I should pinch myself to see if I am in a dream, because of how blessed I feel, but another part of me doesn't want to wake up if it is.  I hope I am able to demonstrate to our children just how blessed they are, too. 

Tom and Michael headed to Iowa yesterday to give me my last chance at some quiet time before Baby #2 arrives.  Tom will be at a funeral, and Michael is getting to spend some quality time with Papa.  He took the first flight that he will actually remember, and I'm sure he is getting spoiled rotten some more.  As much as I miss him, I'm glad he is getting to spend some quality time with Tom's side of the family.  We take for granted how often we see my family since they live close, and I want Michael to have as good of a relationship with Tom's side as he does with mine. 

As we head into the new year, we are continually counting our blessings and excitedly anticipating the arrival of Baby #2.  God bless us, every one.