Almost a month since my last post and what a month it has been. So many firsts here at home and such sadness and tragedy during what should be our merriest of seasons.
All I will say in regard to Sandy Hook is my heart is heavy and will be for some time. As I think all our hearts are at the moment. Like most parents I have hugged my children a little tighter, listened to them with more attention and played with them a little more intensely. I have also shielded them from the news. For all they know the world is safe and happy and Santa is coming soon.
So many little milestones have happened in our house this past month. Bug has learned to write his name and spell mom. He also had his first Christmas program. He looked so big on that stage in his little dress pants and shirt with dress shoes. He was really proud of the dress shoes. They are like Daddy's. There he was singing about Santa and snowmen and being the natural little performer he is here at home.
The Bear has transitioned to a big girl bed. As of last weekend we are a house without a crib for the first time in over four years. It is still very strange for me to walk upstairs and not see a crib. She did well with the transition. Only one night did she want back in her crib and about two nights later asked us to take it out. It went to friends who are due soon and she knows a new baby will be sleeping in the crib.
Another event Bear did well with this year was visiting Santa. Last year this was bit traumatic for her and we have the picture to prove it. But this year she got right up on his lap and told him about the Elmo Kitchen she wants.
Tomorrow is Yule and we have a Yule log. In a fitting turn of events we are on the tail end of our first blizzard of the year and the kids are experiencing their first really big snowfall. Watching them play in snow and eat snow and sled is wonderful. It's new to them. We had very little snow last year and never anything over 2 inches so the nearly foot of snow we received last night literally transformed their world. They also learned about the joy of a snow day since we are homebound.
So tomorrow night I will explain to them, as best I can, that it is the darkest day of the year but that each day after will start to get a little more sunshine and eventually it will be spring again. That is one of my favorite aspects of the Yule, that winter starts on the darkest of days and with each day getting a little brighter.
Then it's Christmas and all the magic that comes with that holiday.
I have no quote for today. Just the sentiment of keep your holiday, whichever it or they are, and enjoy all that you have and remember, everyday you get another minute of sunlight.
Merry Christmas.
