Christmas Circus

To say that Rod & I were tired/exhausted from the holidays would be a gross understatement - rolling into Christmas with a new baby & busy pre-schooler tested our patience, limits and sleep tolerance (or lack thereof!). I had vowed to get some Christmas shopping done while on maternity leave, but let's face it - getting a shower, much less Christmas shopping done, was a huge accomplishment during any given day. I quickly said 'the hell with that', and decided to bask in my non-showered bliss while snuggling with my new baby. And letting myself enjoy the nirvana of a no-deadline-day....with my job, it's deadlines all day for various things. They never stop....it's almost hard to feel like you've ever accomplished anything b/c once you've checked one deadline off your list, 3 more appear. Sigh, I digress...

So, with being ill-prepared gift-wise, I was lucky enough to get some ideas sent from my mom. I'm telling you, and I openly confess that while I pride myself on being a super-mom, I failed this Christmas. I literally was shopping until the 11th hour. I felt like the kid in college who races into the classroom for a final in their pj's, stinky t-shirt and busted pencil. So ill-prepared I was embarrassed of myself. Tried to give myself the pass of "you just had a baby a few wks ago", but it didn't settle right in making excuses for something I have had all year to prep for. Shame, shame. I found something for everyone (what they wanted) and everyone was happy. Whew. The bad news is, Christmas may be over, but February is right around the corner which brings Rod's birthday & our anniversary. Two biggies that stress me out - primarily b/c Rod is so hard to buy for! I try to be clever & cute for every birthday & anniversary, but honestly, I'm feeling pretty tapped out. So, if you have any good ideas, help a sistah out!

Charlie, our elf, came to visit again this year. He comes every Thanksgiving night - and Sophia knows it. Last year she was still warming up to the idea of having an elf come and watch her behavior and then reporting it to Santa each night while she slept. This year, she could've cared less what that damn elf reported...she just had fun playing the game of "where is Charlie at this morning"?! Charlie hung out everywhere this year: family Christmas tree, Sophia's tree, Camilla's tree, our mantle (which meant he hitched some rides on the camels & sheep from our nativity), snuggled up in our stockings, perched inside our indoor window wreaths and even took Sophia's Fisher Price airplane & school bus for spins. His last day visiting he got pretty wild and decided he'd string up some TP on our kitchen chandelier. Sophia LOVED it.

Charlie gettin' wild with the TP

Normally, every Christmas Eve is spent going to the Children's Mass, followed by the annual cocktail party at Lopez's. However, this year, Patricia decided to forego the whole party and just do a quiet family dinner (still need to upload photos from our other camera!). I was so relieved. Especially with an 8wk old, I just didn't want to push it and make it a late night. It would've made for a really long day for us - especially since both Rod & I had to work that day. We enjoyed Mass, and then a delicious and low-key dinner at Lopez's. We enjoyed opening gifts and watching Sophia. I was smart enough to know it'd get late no matter what, and I packed Sophia's toothbrush and pj's. When we got home, we put together cookies for Santa and hit the sack. I was SO grateful when both girls slept in until 7:15am! Sophia's big wish for Santa this year was a "big, big, big bike". And Santa delivered! She awoke all excited to see her brand new big-girl bike and helmet parked in front of the tree! Forget the rest of the pink-wrapped gifts under the tree, the bike was all she cared about! She immediately hopped on (helmet & all) and pedaled laps around our house! It was hilarious as we'd have to stop her between laps to come open one of her gifts. Never bothered to remove the helmet either. The weather was blustery and cold (rain, but snow forecasted!) and so riding outside was next to nill. Rod did brave the cold and let her ride a few short minutes outside. Camilla enjoyed the morning snuggled up with me and could've cared less about the stuff Santa brought her (a kick piano for the crib) and a few teething toys/rattles. She's now very alert and loves her mobile and rattles. We play games with new textures touching her skin and we love it when she smiles big followed by the CUTEST coo's!!

Later Christmas morning, we headed over to the Schultz's for lunch and presents. My mom never does anything half-done...frosted cookies, homemade fudge, homemade dip, chex mix and more covered the kitchen countertops upon our arrival and the aroma of honey-baked ham and green bean casserole permeated the air. I could actually feel myself getting fatter. And I was okay with that. We decided to open gifts first, allowing Sophia to tear into them, then eat. Of course followed closely by naps! Sophia had the best time and received some fun new things (namely a new doll that was eerily proportionate to Camilla & even looked like her). She hardly let my brother out of her sight - that is her buddy! We all enjoyed the morning/afternoon together and by the time we left, it was indeed snowing! The majority of my life, I've had white Christmases, and so the handful that I've had without snow makes it always feel un-Christmas-y. I was tickled to watch Sophia light up and to know that Camilla's first Christmas was a white one. Sadly, most of the snow didn't stick, but as anyone who's lived with regular snowfall, the first snowfall is the most beautiful. It's one of the most peaceful acts of nature to watch....it never gets old to me.

Uncle Jim & Sophia

Uncle Jim burping Sophia's new "Camilla look-alike"

Camilla's 1st Christmas!

Sophia & her new baby doll from Uncle Jim

Let the present-opening COMMENCE!

All in all, although some portions of juggling schedules and children stressed me out, our first Christmas as a family of four was wonderful. I was so happy to slow down and watch the delight on Sophia's face and to snuggle Camilla - as I knew next year the girls would be older and bigger. It was amazing to think that a year ago, Camilla was only a wish and a prayer....and now here we had a beautiful new baby girl to be grateful for. Even though she was an October baby, she was still the best Christmas gift. Life just seemed so sweet this year - and it can only get better!

Inside the stocking Nana handmade for her

I love my stocking, thanks Nana!